This month, the first Steering Committee meeting of the Global Initiative for Information Integrity on Climate Change laid the foundation for raising this critical issue at COP30. The initiative focuses on ensuring reliable, science-based climate information underpins global communication and decision-making.
WMO, represented by Assistant Secretary-General Thomas Asare , participated in shaping the initiative's direction as part of the Scientific Advisory Group. In this role, WMO provides its authoritative expertise on weather, water, and climate, reinforcing the scientific foundation of the effort. "Our contribution ensures that accurate Earth system data informs global discussions," said Asare.
Why It Matters
The rise of climate disinformation poses a challenge to clear, fact-based understanding. The World Economic Forum's 2025 Global Risks Report identifies misinformation and disinformation as a top global risk , yet only 6% of disinformation research addresses climate, with gaps in funding and regional perspectives. The initiative, with WMO's input, aims to bridge these gaps, culminating in a stronger focus at COP30.
WMO's Contribution
WMO's role centers on delivering authoritative data and scientific rigor:
- Providing authoritative weather, water, and climate information.
- Supporting the Scientific Advisory Group to validate research and promote data accuracy.
- Leveraging our global network of National Meteorological and Hydrological Services to ensure regionally relevant insights.
Next Steps
The Global Fund for Climate Information Integrity, administered by UNESCO, will allocate resources-45% for research, 30% for response strategies, and 25% for UN communications-with oversight from a Steering Committee co-chaired by Brazil and the UN. WMO's involvement in the Scientific Advisory Group ensures technical excellence as this issue gains prominence at COP30.
