The World Meteorological Organization Initiative on Environmental Sustainability of Observing Systems and Methods: Overview and Milestones

Global numerical weather prediction (NWP) is underpinned by Earth system observations. The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) provides a framework for its international membership to collectively enhance the number and spatial coverage of observations via the Global Basic Observing Network (GBON) programme. GBON defines quantitative requirements for the observing systems of its members with regard to the temporal frequency and geographic distribution of observations, informed by the needs of NWP. While there are clear benefits of GBON in terms of improvements to weather and climate data, products, and services, there are also environmental impacts. For example, installing new infrastructure (e.g. surface or upper air observing stations) to meet GBON spatial requirements will have a corresponding environmental footprint, with additional service and maintenance requirements.

Recognizing these environmental impacts, the WMO launched an initiative to advance the environmental sustainability of observing systems and methods, with Canada in a leadership role. The objective of this initiative is to develop practical recommendations for WMO Members and industry to reduce their environmental impacts through engagement and collaboration. The initiative covers meteorological (surface and upper air), marine, hydrological, and atmospheric chemistry observational domains. While new and emerging technologies to enhance the environmental sustainability of observing systems are a point of interest, the initiative considers factors from across the observing system life cycle (e.g. from network design and planning to decommissioning).

This presentation will provide an overview of the initiative and its expected outcomes, framing the work underway to promote a paradigm shift toward more environmentally sustainable observing systems and methods. Key milestones of the initiative will be highlighted, including an international benchmarking survey, incorporation of relevant considerations into WMO guidance documentation, and a multi-disciplinary international workshop.