KATHMANDU: World Meteorological Day is being observed today with a variety of activities around the globe, including in Nepal.
The day is celebrated in honor of the World Meteorological Organization’s (WMO) establishment, marking the coming into force of the Convention establishing the WMO on March 23, 1950.
The observance highlights the essential role of National Meteorological and Hydrological Services in safeguarding the safety and well-being of society, with events held worldwide.
The theme for World Meteorological Day 2025 is “Closing the Early Warning Gap Together.”
In a statement, WMO President Dr. Abdulla Al Mandous urged all WMO members to intensify efforts and make significant progress in closing the early warning gap.
“Through enhanced collaboration, innovation, and commitment, we can build a safer and more resilient world for all,” the statement reads.
Climate change remains a real and undeniable threat to civilization. The effects are already visible, and the consequences will be catastrophic unless immediate action is taken. Early warnings are economically beneficial: the WMO estimates that every US dollar invested in early warning systems yields nine US dollars in net economic benefits.
It is worth noting that the WMO recently confirmed that 2024 was the hottest year on record.
Environmental changes are driving more extreme weather events, including rapidly intensifying tropical cyclones, destructive rainfall, storm surges, flooding, deadly droughts, and wildfires.
Sea levels are rising, exposing densely populated coastal areas to inundation and ocean wave impacts. The societal effects of these events linger long after the headlines fade.
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