Weather and climate services in Europe and Central Asia : a regional review

Worldwide, the accuracy and value of weather and climate services are rising, bringing great economic benefits. However, many national hydrometeorological services 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 capacity deficiencies are serious, they could be remedied significantly by relatively modest- but sustained-investments. Weather and Climate Services in Europe and Central Asia is part of the World Bank Working Paper series. These papers are published to communicate the results of the Bank's ongoing research and to stimulate public discussion. 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 Meteorological and Hydrological 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. A strategy for NMHS service improvement requires assessment of national climate, user needs, NMHS status and provision of services, and the economic benefits of an upgrade to weather and climate services. recommendations for agency modernization should include (a) a prioritized plan for improving data delivery to national users, (b) identification of the highest-priority infrastructure investments, and (c) a reasonable phasing plan for overall modernization Worldwide, The Accuracy And Value Of Weather And Climate Services Are Rising, Bringing Great Economic Benefits. However, Many National Hydrometeorological Services 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 Capacity Deficiencies Are Serious, They Could Be Remedied Significantly By Relatively Modest - But Sustained - Investments.--jacket. Includes Bibliographical References (p. 75-79). Weather and Climate Services in Europe and Central Asia is part of the World Bank Working Paper series. These papers are published to communicate the results of the Bank's ongoing research and to stimulate public discussion. Worldwide, the accuracy and value of weather and climate services are rising, bringing great economic benefits. However, many national hydrometeorological services 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 ofsmallholding and commercial agricu.