WMO Pushes Global Cooperation on AI to Strengthen Early Warning Systems and Disaster Preparedness

As climate-related disasters grow in frequency and intensity, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) is stepping up global efforts to harness artificial intelligence (AI) for more effective early warning systems—while emphasizing the need for trust, standards, and international cooperation.

Through a series of high-level global engagements in Brussels and New Delhi, WMO has brought together governments, UN agencies, researchers, and private sector leaders to explore how AI can transform disaster risk management without compromising the reliability of official forecasts.

AI as a Game-Changer for Early Warnings

AI technologies are increasingly being used to enhance weather forecasting, hazard monitoring, and disaster response, enabling faster, more accurate, and cost-effective predictions.

According to WMO experts, AI can significantly improve the ability to anticipate extreme events such as floods, droughts, and storms, helping authorities issue earlier warnings and reduce human and economic losses.

However, WMO stresses that technological advancement must be accompanied by robust governance frameworks to ensure that AI applications remain transparent, scientifically sound, and equitable.

Building Trust and Standards in AI Integration

At the ITU-T Workshop on Resilience to Natural Hazards through AI Solutions in Brussels, WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo highlighted the critical importance of trust in early warning systems.

She emphasized that integrating AI into forecasting systems must be guided by:

• Scientific rigor and validated data

• Transparency in algorithms and outputs

• Equitable access for vulnerable communities

“Strengthened collective efforts are needed to ensure that the most vulnerable can effectively adopt and sustain early warning systems,” she noted.

WMO also underlined that National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHSs) must remain the authoritative source of official forecasts, even as AI tools become more widely used.

Global Partnerships Driving Innovation

The discussions are part of a broader international push to develop standards and governance frameworks for AI in weather and climate services.

As a founding member of the Global Initiative on Resilience to Natural Hazards through AI Solutions, led by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), WMO is actively contributing to efforts to ensure that AI systems are:

• Safe and interoperable

• Aligned with global data-sharing frameworks

• Accessible across different regions and capacities

Collaboration between public institutions and private technology providers is seen as essential to scaling AI solutions effectively.

Advancing Climate Resilience in India

At the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi (February 2026), WMO further advanced discussions on how AI and data-sharing can support climate resilience and water management.

The organization highlighted the importance of its global data exchange systems, which underpin international cooperation in weather and climate monitoring.

AI-driven tools, when integrated into these systems, can strengthen responses to water-related risks, including floods and droughts—key threats in many parts of the world.

Aligning with ‘Early Warnings for All’ Initiative

These efforts are closely aligned with the United Nations’ “Early Warnings for All” initiative, which aims to ensure that every person on Earth is protected by early warning systems by 2027.

WMO plays a central role in this initiative by:

• Setting global standards for forecasting and data exchange

• Supporting countries in adopting advanced technologies

• Strengthening institutional capacity for disaster preparedness

Balancing Innovation with Reliability

While AI offers transformative potential, experts caution that its success depends on maintaining public trust in official warning systems.

Interactive exercises conducted by WMO during global workshops have highlighted the importance of:

• Clear communication between stakeholders

• Reliable information flows across the warning chain

• Strong institutional coordination

Without these elements, even the most advanced technologies may fail to deliver effective outcomes.

Looking Ahead

As climate risks escalate, the integration of AI into early warning systems is expected to become increasingly central to global disaster preparedness strategies.

However, WMO’s message is clear: technology alone is not enough. Success will depend on strong partnerships, trusted institutions, and inclusive systems that ensure no community is left behind.

By combining innovation with governance and collaboration, the global community aims to build more resilient societies capable of anticipating and responding to future climate shocks.