The 2024 World Meteorological Day theme "At the Frontline of Climate Action" was widely celebrated around the world.
The 2024 World Meteorological Day theme "At the Frontline of Climate Action" was widely celebrated around the world by National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHSs), WMO and its partners, and in schools and academic institutions. The WMO Secretariat's celebration took place on 21 March as 23 March fell on Saturday. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), a partner in the Early Warnings for All initiative, took advantage of the occasion to launch their Weather Kids Campaign.
WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo addressed a full to overflowing room at her first celebration of World Met Day at the WMO Secretariat. She recognized the key role of the WMO community in providing tools and knowledge for climate change mitigation and adaptations. She noted that Climate Action is indispensable, urgent and a call to everyone. She emphasized the role of National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHSs) in gathering, analysing and disseminating the weather, water and environmental data that permits all of us to better understand what is happening with climate now and what is changing so that we can prepare for in the future - adaptation is a matter of life and death for many. But the 150 years of WMO community data will not suffice, amongst others, the WMO Greenhouse Gas Watch and the Early Warnings for All initiative need to deliver on their promise. She reminded the audience that we are called upon to be game changers and that the life of future generations are in our hands.
The UNDP's Weather Kids Campaign features children from around the world reading a fictitious - but scientifically-based - weather forecast. The young television weather presenters warn viewers that rising temperatures will continue to bring more catastrophic risks to people, the global economy and food security as well as impact 94% of the world's children. The segment ends with a powerful plea from the children: "It's not just a weather report to us. It is our future." The campaign provides a link for adults to sign a pledge to act through voting, making financial decisions that align with sustainability, and educating themselves on climate solutions and climate action in their own country.
WMO will remain At the Frontline of Climate Action as it embraces a journey of cooperation and innovation, leveraging collective expertise to overcome challenges and achieve a shared vision of a safer, more resilient world for future generations.
