Vision and Mission
Vision
The energy sector currently accounts for approximately three-quarters of greenhouse gas emissions, making it a critical factor in mitigating the worst effects of climate change, arguably one of humanity’s greatest challenges. Transitioning towards clean and renewable energy is therefore vital for effective climate action. This importance was underscored at COP28 in Dubai, where 118 governments pledged to triple renewable energy capacities and double energy efficiency rates by 2030.
The expansion of renewable energy capacities necessitates advanced science and services in weather, water, and climate. This is especially crucial as renewables are heavily influenced by weather and climate conditions. Enhanced scientific understanding and improved services in these areas are essential for optimizing the efficiency and reliability of renewable energy sources, particularly in the face of more frequent and intense extreme weather events driven by climate change. Additionally, weather and climate services play a key role in supporting the uptake of renewable energy, such as hydro, wind, and solar, by optimizing their harvesting and utilization within the grid.
Aligned with the WMO vision and the international global agenda for energy transition, the WMO Climate and Energy vision for 2030 involves supporting WMO Members in tripling their renewable energy capacity, as targeted by COP28. Additionally, the vision entails fostering a more resilient energy sector, especially in vulnerable communities, capable of mitigating the socioeconomic impacts of extreme weather, climate, water, and other environmental events.
Mission
The WMO Climate and Energy team, in collaboration with a broad network of external partners, conducts a diverse range of activities spanning both adaptation and mitigation directions. These initiatives primarily focus on supporting WMO Members in addressing climate challenges while supporting Net-Zero energy transition, energy demand management, resilience of energy infrastructures, early warnings for energy, energy security, and energy efficiency.
These activities encompass a wide array of efforts including but not limited to, continuous monitoring of sector needs from both public and private entities. It includes the development of required technical publications, guidelines, and best practices, capacity-building for National Meteorological and Hydrological services (NMHSs) to deliver advanced services tailored for the energy sector through training, webinars, and conferences. Additionally, regional projects and national demonstration products are established to meet sector-specific requirements. Furthermore, WMO facilitates data exchange to underpin climate-resilient energy transitions and enhance energy security. An emphasis is given to building capacity in developing countries with low energy access.
The activities and initiatives of the WMO Climate and Energy team actively contribute to the global vision of achieving clean, sustainable, and resilient energy for ALL in line with the Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG7). A particular emphasis is placed on providing services for Renewable Resources, such as wind, solar, and hydropower, with the overarching goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 through energy transition. This commitment aligns with the global agenda to limit global warming to 1.5°C.