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Weather and Climate Services in Europe and Central Asia A Regional Review

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Publication date
11/06/2008
Number of Pages
114
Language:
English
Type of Publication:
Working Papers & Briefs
Focus Region:
Asia and the Pacific
Europe
Focus Topic:
Climate / Weather / Environment
Type of Risk:
Weather & Climate related
Type of Risk Managment Option:
Risk assessment
Commodity:
Other
Author
The World Bank

This paper reviews the status of weather and climate services in Europe and Central Asia (ECA). Worldwide, the accuracy and value of weather and climate services are rising, bringing great economic benefits. However, many national hydrometeorological services (NMHSs) in Europe and Central Asia are in decline. As a result, these potential gains are often missed. Much more could be done to mitigate weather disasters, support the productivity of smallholding and commercial agriculture, conserve energy, and promote safe aviation and transport by road and rail. Although NMHS capacity deficiencies are serious, they could be significantly remedied by relatively modest—but sustained— investments. Economic assessments indicate substantial benefit to-cost ratios for such initiatives.