Newsletter Issue 30 (April 2023)

TThe Weather of March 2023 – An unseasonably warm March

With the northeast monsoon over southern China generally weaker than normal for most of the time in the month, March 2023 continued to be much warmer than usual in Hong Kong. The monthly mean temperature of 21.3 degrees was 1.8 degree above the normal, one of the fourth highest on record for March. Hail was reported at the vicinity of Sai Wan Ho during the passage of the thunderstorms on the afternoon of 25 March.

It was the second joint warmest March on record

The month was jointly the second warmest March globally, according to Copernicus which is operated by ECMWF. NOAA said it was the second warmest. Antarctic sea ice extent was the second lowest for March in the satellite data record, at 28% below average, following a record low extent in February. Arctic sea ice extent was 4% below average, ranking joint 4th lowest for March in the satellite data record, but also close to the three lowest extents.

World Meteorological Day: The future of weather, climate and water across generations

“Weather, climate and water know no national or political boundaries. The need for international cooperation has guided our work since 1873 and will continue to do so in future as we strive for a world which is more resilient to extreme weather, climate, water and other environmental events.” Prof. Petteri Taalas noted. This year’s World Meteorological Day celebrated past achievements, present progress and future potential with the theme “The future of weather, climate and water across generations”.

Record rise in China’s sea levels threatens coastal cities like Shanghai

Sea levels on China’s coastline have hit their highest on record for the second year in a row, rising more quickly than the global average and posing a serious threat to coastal cities such as the financial hub of Shanghai. Over the past four decades, rising sea levels along the Chinese coast have caused long-term effects, including the erosion of coastal ecosystems, loss of tidal flats, impact on groundwater supply, increased damage caused by storms, floods and salt tide intrusion. (公報全文)

中國自然資源部發布2022中國海洋災害公報

2022 年，我國海洋災害以風暴潮、海浪和赤潮災害為主，12 次災害過程 共造成直接經濟損失 241 154.72 萬元，死亡失蹤 9 人。各類海洋災害中，造成直接經濟損失最嚴重的是風暴潮災害，佔總直接經濟損失的 99%；造成人員死亡失蹤的全部是海浪災害。與近十年相比，2022 年海洋災害直接經濟損失和死亡失蹤人口均低於平均值，分別為平均值的 34% 和 23%。

UN Water Conference calls for accelerated action

The first UN water conference in a generation was opened on 22 March. It was a watershed moment to mobilise Member States, the UN system and stakeholders to take action and bring successful solutions to a global scale. Water is a dealmaker for the Sustainable Development Goals, and for the health and prosperity of people and planet. But progress on water related goals and targets remains alarmingly off track, jeopardizing the entire sustainable development agenda.

Fossil fuel emissions from electricity set to fall – report

The world will likely use fewer fossil fuels to produce electricity this year in a “turning point” for planet-friendly energy, a new report says. It would be the first ever annual drop in the use of coal, oil and gas to generate electricity, outside of a global recession or pandemic. As a result, fewer warming gases would be released during energy production. The authors attribute the expected change to a boom in renewable energy led mainly by China.

Protection from climate change requires strong health systems

The health impacts of climate change will not be addressed without strong public health systems. To mark World Health Day on 7 April, the joint WMO-WHO Office on Climate and Health took a look at the role of universal health care systems in protecting people from the myriad of growing health risks tied to our changing environment. In addition to building climate-resilient healthcare systems, we must take advantage of all opportunities to reduce climate emissions from the healthcare sector, both to put health systems on a climate-smart development path, and align the sector with global climate goals.

WMO supports Net Zero Energy Transition

The World Meteorological Organization is stepping up its activities to promote tailored weather and climate information and forecasts to support the transition to renewable energy and away from polluting fossil fuels. The transition to clean energy calls for investment in improved weather, water and climate services that can be used to ensure that our energy infrastructure is resilient to climate-related shocks, to inform on measures to increase energy efficiency across multiple sectors, and to harness renewable sources of energy.

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