World Meteorological Organization (WMO) Secretary-General Celeste Saulo urged governments to accelerate climate action as Türkiye prepares to host COP31, highlighting the need for stronger weather observations and early-warning systems amid climate impacts.
In a Nov. 6 interview with Anadolu Agency, Saulo praised the planning and strategy behind Türkiye’s preparations and welcomed its active role in climate diplomacy. She said COP31’s agenda is relevant to current challenges and that policy decisions should draw on scientific evidence.
Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change Minister Murat Kurum, COP31’s president-designate, visited WMO headquarters in Geneva in September. Saulo said the meeting showed Kurum’s commitment to reinforcing Türkiye’s institutions for weather and water monitoring. She also expressed confidence in his leadership of the summit’s discussions.
The WMO provides climate information to support policymaking, Saulo said. She linked that work to COP31 themes that include clean energy, urban development, young people and communities. The WMO’s Systematic Observations Financing Facility supports least-developed countries and small island states as they strengthen weather and climate observation systems. Saulo called for collective efforts to improve monitoring capacity.
Saulo said the current El Nino illustrates climate impacts and underscores the need for resilience and adaptation. The phenomenon is forecast to approach its peak toward the end of the year. COP31 will include a high-level event to speed up implementation of the Early Warnings for All initiative. Saulo said progress has been made, but not at the pace she wants; she also said early-warning systems are widely recognized for protecting lives.
Saulo recalled earlier climate conferences while urging a shift from commitments to delivery. “Move faster. Implement now,” she told Anadolu Agency. COP31 is scheduled to open in Antalya on Nov. 9 and run through Nov. 20. EconoTimes has previously covered the summit’s AI forecasting and weather-preparedness agenda.
