Support grows for Systematic Observations Financing Facility (SOFF)

Joint press release and statement. GENEVA, 2 October 2020 - Three major European meteorological institutions have joined the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) to announce their support for the creation of a new Systematic Observations Financing Facility. The heads of WMO, the European Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF), EUMETNET (a grouping of 31 European National Meteorological Services), and the satellite agency EUMETSAT signed a joint statement urging European governments and institutions and all multilateral climate and environment financing institutions to consider funding the new initiative. "The goal of the Systematic Observations Financing Facility is to strengthen climate adaptation and resilience to respond to the increased frequency, severity and impact of weather and climate events by contributing to improved weather forecasts and climate services," said the statement. "The quality of these services depends decisively on a homogenic global distribution of surface-based observations. This will protect lives, property and reduce poverty, creating benefits for all citizens across the globe, in particular the most vulnerable," it said. The proposed facility will provide technical and financial assistance to Small Island Developing States and Least Developed Countries to collect and exchange the most essential suface-based meteorological data.