Forecasting for Catastrophes: How Investment in Weather Services Can Save Lives and Grow Economies

Home News Forecasting for Catastrophes: How Investment in Weather Services Can Save Lives and Grow Economies

Forecasting for Catastrophes: How Investment in Weather Services Can Save Lives and Grow Economies

15/09/2017 - 18:15

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15/09/2017 - 18:15

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What do the energy, health, transport, and agricultural sectors have in common? It pays to keep a weather eye on them – literally.
 
It’s clear that better weather and climate forecasting present enormous opportunities. Improving the prediction of hydrological and meteorological (or “hydromet”) hazards – getting accurate, timely predictions into the hands of decision-makers and the public – can save lives and money.
Hydromet hazards – weather, water, and climate extremes – are responsible for 90 percent of total disaster losses worldwide. Between 1970 and 2012, that meant economic losses of $2.4 trillion, and the deaths of 2 million people.