SOFF: Advancing Global Climate Action with Sustained Climate Finance and Essential Weather Observations

UN Climate Fund Gains Momentum at COP29 with New Pledges, Expanding Support to Address Weather Data Gaps in Vulnerable Nations.

At the 29th UN Climate Change Conference (COP29), the Systematic Observations Financing Facility (SOFF) emerged as a critical initiative to bolster the foundational data necessary for effective weather forecasting and climate predictions. Highlighted on the "Finance, Investment and Trade Day," the SOFF event hosted by Spain emphasized the importance of sustained climate finance for systematic observation, marking a significant step toward improving global resilience against climate change.

SOFF: Transforming Weather Data into a Global Public GoodSOFF, a newly established UN climate fund, is the result of collaboration among the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). Its mission is to address critical gaps in weather and climate observations, with a focus on Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS).

At the event, Prof Celeste Saulo, WMO Secretary-General and SOFF Steering Committee Co-Chair, underlined the urgency of the initiative:

“The climate crisis is THE defining challenge that humanity faces. Climate action is hampered by a lack of basic observations and capacity to deliver useful climate services. SOFF is ingeniously supporting countries to address that.”Echoing this sentiment, Dr. Sinead Walsh, Ireland’s Climate Director, emphasized the importance of basic observations for climate adaptation and resilient development, highlighting the need for expanded financial support.

Weather Data: A Lifeline for Vulnerable Communities

Prof Michael Kremer, Nobel Laureate and Chair of the Innovation Commission for Climate Change, stressed that high-quality weather forecasts serve as a cost-effective solution to climate adaptation challenges:

“Weather data from each country contributes to the accuracy of weather prediction models everywhere. Addressing gaps in the global basic observing network strengthens the predictive capacity of global and regional forecasting systems.”SOFF’s role as a partner in the AIM for Scale initiative was also celebrated, with the Innovation Weather Package launched to provide actionable weather insights to millions of farmers in low- and middle-income countries.

Dr. Florence Rabier, Director-General of the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF), highlighted SOFF’s universal impact:

“Although SOFF supports mainly Least Developed Countries and Small Island Developing States, the reality is that all countries benefit from improved weather forecasts.”Funding Milestones and Future NeedsIn just 2.5 years, SOFF has mobilized over $100 million, with additional pledges announced by Denmark, Finland, and Norway during COP29. Despite this rapid progress, SOFF’s financial targets remain ambitious, given the growing demand from 101 countries requesting support.

The SOFF Action Report 2024 revealed that 60 countries are currently receiving initial SOFF assistance, while 18 countries have already secured investment funding. These investments, totaling $115 million, are expected to deliver a 20-fold increase in weather data contributions from recipient countries.

A Call for Greater Commitment

With 39 Small Island Developing States already benefiting from SOFF, Minister Toeolesulusulu Cedric Pose Salesa Schuster of Samoa, and Chair of the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS), urged the global community to expand funding for SOFF. Similarly, Deputy Minister Ana Pimentel of the Dominican Republic highlighted the need for predictable and simplified climate finance mechanisms.

SOFF’s innovative approach aligns with the international call for additional and predictable climate finance to meet the needs of vulnerable nations. By bridging gaps in the Global Basic Observing Network (GBON), SOFF strengthens not only the predictive capabilities of global weather systems but also the resilience of communities on the front lines of climate change.

Looking Ahead

SOFF’s success at COP29 underscores its potential to transform global climate resilience through enhanced weather observations. With continued investment and international cooperation, SOFF promises to deliver not only improved weather forecasting but also tangible benefits for climate adaptation, disaster preparedness, and sustainable development. As the climate crisis intensifies, initiatives like SOFF are indispensable in ensuring no country is left behind. 4o