Chongqing - Ahead of Earth Day on April 22, an exclusive interview with Ko Barrett, Deputy Secretary-General of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), highlights the urgent challenges of global warming that we face.

The year 2024 has become the hottest on record, surpassing the previous high set in 2023, with global temperatures now more than 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. This marks the past decade as the warmest in history, highlighting a concerning and persistent trend of long-term global warming.

Barrett emphasized the importance of addressing the root causes of global warming, particularly through energy transition, while also adapting to the increasing temperatures. She pointed out that a shift in lifestyle is necessary to cope with the warming climate.

Barrett also emphasized the WMO's crucial initiative, Early Warning for All, which seeks to ensure that everyone globally has access to early warning systems by 2027. This initiative is vital for safeguarding lives and livelihoods from the increasing frequency and severity of extreme weather events.

 "Timely access to information to protect people from weather extremes is crucial, and we must ensure that this information is disseminated quickly and effectively," Barrett stated.

Chongqing’s forecasting system ensures rapid protection

Disaster prevention is crucial to the modernization of flood- and typhoon-prone Chongqing. The city's self-developed smart system integrates meteorological disaster management into its broader governance.

In 2022, a sudden wildfire in the mountains and forests of Chongqing, China, captured national attention. Firefighters and volunteer teams rushed to the scene, while the city's meteorological department provided crucial real-time data on wind speed, direction, and humidity, playing a vital role in the successful firefighting efforts.

The city's early warning system issues alerts one, two, and six hours in advance. Information is shared via 16 channels, including mobile apps, SMS, cable TV, and emergency broadcasts, reaching 99.8% of the population.

Chongqing's advanced weather systems include the "4 Tian" intelligent meteorological network, featuring the "Tianshu Observation System," the "Tianzi Forecasting System," the "Zhitian Smart Service," and the "Yutian Disaster Prevention System." This innovative setup enhances real-time forecasting and disaster response, providing quick and effective solutions to weather challenges.

Barrett noted that Chongqing’s meteorological services and early warning systems exemplify the progress being made globally. "Chongqing has a robust system with strong forecasting capabilities and a network that connects various levels of government, enabling rapid action to protect the public."

Since 2015, China has built a national early warning system with 99.1% public coverage for meteorological alerts. Barrett expressed her admiration for China's commitment to sharing its expertise in early warning systems with the world. "I've visited training centers where people from different countries come to learn from China's advanced systems. This kind of generosity is crucial in ensuring no one is left behind in the face of climate change."

Looking ahead, she emphasized the importance of developing systems that can build resilience against extreme weather hazards, ensuring that every region around the world is equipped with the necessary tools to protect its people from future climate risks.

(Huan Ran, as an intern, also contributed to the report.)