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Every year on 23rd March whole world celebrates World Meteorological Day. On this day in 1950, the World Meteorological Organization was established. It highlights the essential contribution of the National Meteorological and Hydrological Services for the well-being as well as the safety of society. It is celebrated with activities around the world. Further, the theme of the World Meteorological Day is topical weather, climate, or weather-related issues.
Story behind World Meteorological Day
The World Meteorological Day marks the establishment of the WMO that has till now 193 member countries and territories. This organization evolved from the International Meteorological Organization (IMO), the idea of which is rooted in the Vienna International Meteorological Congress 1873.
WMO was established in 1950 after which it has become one of the specialized agencies of the United Nations (UN) in 1951. Moreover, headquarter of WMO are located in Geneva Switzerland.
Theme of World Meteorological Day 2021
The main theme of World Meteorological Day of 2021 is “The Ocean, Our Climate and Weather.” As per WMO’s website, the main theme has been chosen as the reflection of the organization’s focus on “connecting the ocean, climate, and weather with the Earth System.” The theme is now chosen as the year marked the starting year of the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development, It highly focuses on gathering support mostly for Ocean science as well as understanding the role that ocean science plays in sustainable development.
Almost 70% of the Earth’s surface is covered with Ocean. Well, the ocean is the major driver of the world’s climate and weather. Moreover, it plays a central role in climate change and is the major driver of the global economy by carrying out more than 90% of the world trade and sustainability of 40% of humanity by living within 100km of the coast.
National Meteorological and Hydrological Services and researchers monitor the Ocean and also keeps track of how it is changing, modeling the ways it affects the atmosphere and delivers a wider variety of marine services which involves supporting coastal management and Safety of Life at Sea. Day-by-day the impact of climate change is creating ocean observation, services and research even more difficult than past.
WMO’s website mentioned, “WMO, as the United Nations specialized agency for climate, weather, and water, strives to support understanding the inextricable link between ocean, climate, and weather. This helps us understand the world in which we live, including the impacts of climate change, and to help Members to strengthen their ability to keep lives and property safe – reducing the risk of disaster – and to maintain viable economies.”
