Using Climate Predictions to Better Serve Society's Needs

Societies have always faced challenges and opportunities arising from variations in climate and have often flourished or collapsed, depending on their ability to adapt to such changes. In light of these challenges, there is a growing and urgent need to improve society's resilience to climate-related hazards and better manage the risks and opportunities from climate variability and climate change. This situation was recognized by governments, scientists, and decision makers at the World Climate Conference-3 in 2009, subsequently leading to the creation of the Global Framework for Climate Services (GFCS) under the leadership of several United Nations agencies.