WMO expects Copenhagen summit to support climate research

GENEVA, Dec. 5 (Xinhua) -- The upcoming climate summit in Copenhagen should support global climate research and services to better counter disasters related to climate change, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has said.

"What we expect most is that the upcoming Copenhagen conference will affirm and back the Global Framework for Climate Services," Yan Hong, deputy secretary-general of the WMO, told Xinhua.

The Global Framework for Climate Services, proposed by experts and policy-makers at a WMO conference in September, aims to strengthen production, availability, delivery and application of science-based climate prediction and services.

All countries need accurate, timely and reliable climate information as well as high-quality climate services, as they will benefit the whole humankind, said Yan.

The framework includes a wide range of important elements, such as a strengthened Global Climate Observing System and free and open exchange of data; a strengthened World Climate Research Program underpinned by adequate computing resources; a new Climate Services Information System taking advantage of existing national and international climate service arrangements; a new Climate User Interface Program focused on building linkages, at all levels, between the providers and users of climate services; and efficient and enduring capacity building through education, training and strengthened outreach and communication.

Members of the WMO are expected to approve its implementation in 2011.

The Framework aims to improve climate services particularly in developing countries, so that they can better learn about the climate variability in their own region and base their measures on accurate weather information and forecast, Yan said.

According to the official, climate change is a complex issue that must be tackled in a scientific way.

In order to assess whether the globe is becoming warmer or colder and the influence the climate change may exert, countries must be able to obtain continuous and long-term climate data by constantly improving and enhancing global climate observation, he said.

Yan said the world still needs to improve its technology for weather forecast, particularly long-term forecast for one week, one month and even for one year, which is very important for dealing with climate change-related disasters.

He voiced his hope that world leaders attending the Copenhagen conference would in the end realize the significance of enhancing climate research and improving forecast technologies.

The Copenhagen climate summit is scheduled for Dec. 7 to 18. Representatives of about 190 countries are expected to renew greenhouse gas emission reduction targets set by the Kyoto Protocol, the first commitment period of which is to expire in 2012. It is also expected to outline the post-2012 negotiation path.