During a recent ministerial event at COP29, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) highlighted the critical role of accurate climate information in enhancing urban health and food systems.

Ko Barrett, Deputy Secretary-General of the WMO, emphasized the increasing crowding and heat in urban areas, which necessitates preparation for future climate challenges.

In agriculture, the WMO collaborates with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) to enhance resilience against hazards like drought through improved agrometeorological services.

Barrett noted that local governments equipped with climate forecasts can make informed decisions to protect communities from weather-related impacts.

As cities expand, they encroach on agricultural land and ecosystems, contributing to 21-37% of global greenhouse gas emissions and increasing pressure on natural resources.

Urban populations heavily depend on farmers for food security; however, cities are experiencing severe climate change impacts, particularly extreme heat, which disproportionately affects the urban poor.

The integration of climate data with health initiatives is exemplified by the WMO-WHO joint office on Climate and Health, fostering collaboration between meteorological services and health authorities.

Addressing urban air quality is crucial, as ambient air pollution is linked to over 4.5 million premature deaths annually and negatively impacts agricultural productivity.

The WMO aims to provide accessible and reliable climate and weather data to assist decision-makers across various sectors, including food production, infrastructure, and health.

Despite the significant challenges posed by climate change, Barrett concluded that there are immense opportunities to leverage climate and weather data to create safer, healthier urban environments.

The ability to enable early warnings for disasters, assess risks like heat and drought, and inform urban design can drive research on climate impacts on food security.