History

The GFCS was called for at the World Climate Conference-3 (WCC-3) in 2009 to enable society to better manage the risks of climate variability and change, and adapt 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.

WMO and its partners convened WCC-3 to provide nations with the opportunity to jointly consider an appropriate global framework for climate services over the coming decades that would help ensure that every country and every climate-sensitive sector of society is well-equipped to access and apply the growing array of climate prediction and information services made possible by recent and emerging developments in international climate science and technology.

Publication: Making Society Climate Resilient: International Progress under the GFCS

There is growing awareness around the world among governments, businesses and the general public of risks arising from changes to our climate. Some climatic changes could be unprecedented in their harmful socioeconomic impacts, while others, with sufficient forewarning and planning, could offer benefits. To help manage potential impacts, decision-makers need to have access to, and use, high-quality, timely, relevant, up-to-date, and credible climate information about the past, present, and future. Such climate information includes data, knowledge, and sectoral information on impacts and risks. We refer to the provision and use of such information as climate services.