Federal Councillor Berset opens first High Mountain Summit
Geneva, 29.10.2019 - The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has convened a High Mountain Summit in Geneva. The aim of the summit is to guarantee sustainable development in high mountain regions. An action plan will set out specific measures to improve the quality of and access to hydrological, meteorological and climatological data.
High mountain regions are important ecosystems, which supply and regulate fresh water for around half the world's population. They are particularly affected by global warming. In Switzerland, the most visible impact is the retreat of mountain glaciers. In his opening address Federal Councillor Alain Berset stressed the urgent need to take effective measures to tackle global warming. He also called on a range of political, economic and scientific actors to work together more closely.
Effective measures needed
This first summit on high mountain regions organised by the WMO aims to identify priority actions to address the rapid and long-term changes affecting the cryosphere (glaciers, snow and permafrost). Delegates will also have to define a plan of action for specific measures to improve the quality of hydrological, meteorological and climatological data. Reliable and scientifically sound data are vital to be able to accurately evaluate - and minimise - the risk of natural disasters, and thereby protect local populations and infrastructure.
The WMO is the UN's specialised agency for meteorology (weather and climate), hydrology and related geophysical sciences. As such, it plays a key role in tackling global climatological changes and the resulting hazards. Switzerland joined the organisation in 1949 and is also its host state. Switzerland's interests are represented in the organisation by the Federal Office of Meteorology and Climatology MeteoSwiss.
Address for enquiries
MeteoSwiss, Communications, media@meteoschweiz.ch, +41 58 460 97 00
Publisher
General Secretariat FDHA
http://www.edi.admin.ch
