The Global Framework for Climate Services

"Enables better management of the risks of climate variability and change and adaptation to climate change, through the development and incorporation of science-based climate information and prediction into planning, policy and practice on the global, regional and national scale."
(World Climate Conference-3)
Four priority areas of the GFCS: Agriculture and Food Security, Disaster Risk Reduction, Health and Water

Agriculture and Food Security

Climate change, and increasing climate variability, as well as other global environmental issues such as land degradation, loss of biological diversity and stratospheric ozone depletion, threaten our ability to meet the basic human needs of adequate food, water and energy, safe shelter and a healthy environment.

Water

Water is predicted to be the main area through which early climate change impacts will be experienced. Changes to water quality and availability will affect numerous sectors and jeopardize economic development and poverty reduction efforts.

Health

To a large degree, public health depends on safe drinking water, sufficient food, secure shelter and good social conditions. A changing climate could, and is likely, to impact on all of these elements.

(Photo credit: U.S. Army)

Disaster Risk Reduction

With climate variability and climate change influencing the location, frequency, intensity and severity of extreme weather events, the number of early weather warning requests by the humanitarian sector has increased. Increased warning allows for better preparation and response by the sector.

(Photo credit: EU Humanitarian Aid and Civil Protection)