Weather forecasting needs huge boost to tackle climate change: WMO

0 Comments | AFP, September, 2007

GENEVA (AFP) — The UN's meteorological agency on Friday called for a multibillion dollar boost for weather forecasting, warning that about 30 percent of economic wealth was directly exposed to the impact of global warming.

The World Meteorological Organisation urged the international community to pay greater attention to helping countries, especially poor nations, adapt to the extreme weather conditions associated with climate change.

"We estimate that today up to 30 percent of the GDP (Gross Domestic Product) of a developed country shows a significant sensitivity to weather, climate and water conditions, and the share can be proportionally even bigger in developing countries," said WMO Secretary General Michel Jarraud.

He urged countries to extend and make...