Every country is vulnerable to climate variability and change, so all countries will benefit from high-quality climate information that is prepared and delivered to meet users’ needs. Of course, some countries are more vulnerable than others due to their limited national capacities, their markedly volatile or difficult climate, or both. African countries, lesser developed countries, small island developing states and land-locked countries will draw particular benefit from GFCS and its associated capacity development activities.
Developing countries that experience dramatic climate variability urgently need to improve their capacity to respond to extreme events such as storms and floods as well as to longer term trends such as drought and heat waves. Through GFCS they will gain improved access to targeted and relevant data, information, best practices, and capacity building.
Countries that already struggle with climate variability tend to be particularly vulnerable to climate change. The adaptation strategies and emergency response services required for climate variability will often be essential for climate change. This is equally true for the types of data and information systems that will be required. GFCS will facilitate national efforts to address climate variability and climate change simultaneously and to integrate climate adaptation activities into sustainable development strategies.
At the same time, GFCS will benefit developed countries that already have a strong national response capacity. It will provide them with a forum for sharing data and best practices. Climate patterns do not respect political boundaries, and GFCS will facilitate cross-border and regional collaboration on adaptation activities. GFCS could also provide useful insights for ensuring that climate adaptation is incorporated into development assistance programmes.
Many government agencies and organizations will find their institutional mandates and capabilities strengthened through their engagement with GFCS. They will benefit from new partnerships, improved access to data and resources, and expanded opportunities to contribute to critical national issues that are cross-cutting and linked to sustainable development.