WORLD METEOROLOGICAL ORGANIZATION

COMMISSION FOR CLIMATOLOGY

TWELFTH SESSION

GENEVA, 4–14 AUGUST 1997

ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT WITH RESOLUTIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Secretariat of the World Meteorological Organization - Geneva - Switzerland

WMO-No. 870

WORLD METEOROLOGICAL ORGANIZATION

Secretariat of the World Meteorological Organization - Geneva - Switzerland1997

WMO-No. 870

COMMISSION FOR CLIMATOLOGY

TWELFTH SESSION

GENEVA, 4–14 AUGUST 1997

ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT WITH RESOLUTIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

© 1997, World Meteorological Organization

ISBN 92–63–10870–6

NOTE

The designations employed and the presentation of material in this publication do not imply the expres-sion of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Secretariat of the World Meteorological Organizationconcerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area, or of its authorities, or concerning thedelimitation of its frontiers or boundaries.

C O N T E N T S

Page

GENERAL SUMMARY OF THE WORK OF THE SESSION

1. OPENING OF THE SESSION .................................................................................................................. 1

2. ORGANIZATION OF THE SESSION ......................................................................................................... 1

2.1 Consideration of the report on credentials ..................................................................................... 12.2 Adoption of the agenda ................................................................................................................... 12.3 Establishment of committees .......................................................................................................... 12.4 Other organizational matters .......................................................................................................... 2

3. REPORT BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE COMMISSION .............................................................................. 2

4. REPORTS OF THE COMMISSION FOR CLIMATOLOGY (CCl) WORKING GROUPS AND RAPPORTEURS ........ 3

5. CLIMATE SYSTEM MONITORING ........................................................................................................... 45.1 Climate change detection ................................................................................................................. 45.2 Review of the state of the global and regional climate and its variability ........................................ 45.3 Reference climate observation networks .......................................................................................... 5

6. CLIMATE DATA MANAGEMENT ............................................................................................................. 66.1 Data collection, including data rescue (DARE) ................................................................................. 66.2 Data processing, including climate computing (CLICOM) .............................................................. 76.3 Climate datasets production ............................................................................................................. 76.4 Climate data exchange ..................................................................................................................... 86.5 The year 2000 problem ..................................................................................................................... 86.6 Use of Internet, including the WMO home page ............................................................................. 8

7. CLIMATE INFORMATION AND PREDICTION SERVICES (CLIPS) ............................................................. 97.1 Interpretation of climate products ................................................................................................... 107.2 Interaction with users ....................................................................................................................... 107.3 Socio-economic and environmental benefits from climate services ................................................ 107.4 Evaluation and review of operational climate predictions .............................................................. 10

8. DEVELOPMENT OF CLIMATE APPLICATION METHODOLOGIES FOR VARIOUS SOCIO-ECONOMIC SECTORS ... 118.1 Urban development .......................................................................................................................... 118.2 Human health .................................................................................................................................. 128.3 Energy production and consumption ............................................................................................. 138.4 Agriculture ........................................................................................................................................ 138.5 Water resources ................................................................................................................................. 13

9. PRIORITIES FOR THE FUTURE WORK OF THE COMMISSION .................................................................. 139.1 The role of the Commission in the development of Global Climate Observing System (GCOS) ... 149.2 Interaction with international climate-related activities within the Climate Agenda ..................... 149.3 Development of the relevant parts of the Fifth WMO Long-term Plan (5LTP) ................................ 149.4 Commission support for WMO’s and other international climate-related programmes ................. 159.5 Terms of reference of the Commission ............................................................................................. 15

10. GUIDE TO CLIMATOLOGICAL PRACTICES (WMO–NO. 100) AND TECHNICAL REGULATIONS

(WMO–NO. 49)................................................................................................................................. 15

11. PARTICIPATION OF WOMEN IN THE WORK OF THE COMMISSION .......................................................... 16

12. CAPACITY BUILDING .......................................................................................................................... 16

13. ANY OTHER MATTERS ....................................................................................................................... 17

14. SCIENTIFIC LECTURES AND DISCUSSIONS ............................................................................................. 17

15. NOMINATION OF MEMBERS OF WORKING GROUPS AND RAPPORTEURS ................................................... 18

16. REVIEW OF PREVIOUS RESOLUTIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE COMMISSION AND OF RELEVANT

EXECUTIVE COUNCIL RESOLUTIONS .................................................................................................... 18

17. ELECTION OF OFFICERS ........................................................................................................................ 18

18. DATE AND PLACE OF THE THIRTEENTH SESSION .................................................................................. 19

19. CLOSURE OF THE SESSION .................................................................................................................... 19

RESOLUTIONS ADOPTED BY THE SESSION

Final SessionNo. No.

1 3/1 Advisory Working Group of the Commission for Climatology ..................................... 20

2 7.3/1 Socio-economic benefits of climate services.................................................................... 20

3 9/1 Working Group on Climate Data ................................................................................... 21

4 9/2 Joint Working Group on Climate Change Detection ..................................................... 22

5 9/3 Working Group on Climate Information and Prediction Services (CLIPS) ................... 23

6 9/4 Rapporteurs on the International Exchange of Climate Data and Products ................... 24

7 9/5 Rapporteurs on Urban and Building Climatology .............................................................. 25

8 9/6 Rapporteurs on Climate and Human Health ...................................................................... 25

9 9/7 Rapporteurs on Energy-Meteorology, Including Solar and Wind Energy........................... 26

10 9/8 Rapporteur on Tourism and Recreation .............................................................................. 26

11 9/9 Rapporteurs on Capacity Building....................................................................................... 27

12 9/10 Rapporteurs on Interaction with Users and Public Awareness............................................ 28

13 9/11 Rapporteurs on Global Telecommunication System (GTS) and Internet Utilization ......... 28

14 9/12 Rapporteurs on Climate Computing (CLICOM) and its Future Development................... 29

15 9/13 Rapporteurs on Statistical Methods .................................................................................... 30

16 9/14 Rapporteurs on Climatological Aspects of Water Resources Management in Dry Climates ...................................................................................................................... 30

17 9/15 Rapporteurs on Climate Change Detection Methodologies and Indices............................ 31

18 11.2/1 Participation of Women in the Work of the Commission .................................................. 31

19 16/1 Review of Previous Resolutions and Recommendations of the Commission for Climatology ......................................................................................................................... 32

RECOMMENDATION ADOPTED BY THE SESSION

Final SessionNo. No.

1 16/1 Review of Resolutions of the Executive Council Based on Previous Recommendations of the Commission for Climatology................................................................................ 33

Page

IV CONTENTS

ANNEX

Plan of action for the Tropical Urban Climate Experiment (TRUCE)(paragraph 8.1.6 of the general summary) .................................................................................... 34

APPENDICES

A. List of persons attending the session ............................................................................................. 37B. Agenda ........................................................................................................................................... 39C. List of documents .......................................................................................................................... 41

CONTENTS V

1. OPENING OF THE SESSION (agenda item 1)1.1 The twelfth session of the Commission forClimatology (CCl) was held at the InternationalConference Centre (CICG) in Geneva from 4 to 14August 1997. It was opened at 10 a.m. on 4 August bythe president of the Commission, Mr W. J. Maunder(New Zealand). Having expressed the pleasure of theparticipants at meeting in Geneva, Mr Maunder high-lighted a few issues that he suggested should be in focusduring that session of the Commission. In particular hementioned the further development of ClimateInformation and Prediction Services (CLIPS), the issuesrelated to the deteriorating climatological observationalnetworks and the lack of appropriate quality control ofdata in the various databases. In conclusion, he stressedthe need to place more emphasis on the risks associatedwith present climate variability as a basis for assessing thepotential socio-economic factors of climate change.1.2 In his opening statement, Professor G. O. P. Obasi,Secretary-General of the World Meteorological Organization(WMO), welcomed the participants to Geneva and pointedto a number of important developments of worldwide signif-icance and of special relevance to the climate-relatedactivities of WMO. In particular he referred to the enteringinto force of the United Nations Framework Convention onClimate Change (UN/FCCC) and of the InternationalConvention to Combat Desertification, as well as to theSecond Assessment Report of the WMO/United NationsEnvironment Programme (UNEP) Intergovernmental Panelon Climate Change (IPCC).1.3 Professor Obasi referred to the Special Sessionof the United Nations General Assembly which had beenheld in June 1997. The conclusions and recommenda-tions from the review of the implementation of Agenda21 might have implications for the Commission, espe-cially as Agenda 21 provided a blueprint for action forthe protection, proper management and sustainabledevelopment of the global environment. With regard tothe atmosphere, it was recognized that concern aboutclimate change and climate variability, air pollution andozone depletion had created new demands for scientific,economic and social information to reduce the remain-ing uncertainties in those fields. A better understandingand prediction of the various properties of the atmo-sphere and of the affected ecosystems and their impactson human health and well-being was necessary. Howthat interacts with socio-economic factors needed to bestudied further. The Secretary-General was pleased tonote that CCl had responded to the challenges andopportunities provided by the developments in climatol-ogy, and had taken significant steps to ensure that itsprogramme and work plan were adjusted so as toadequately address the many priority areas adopted.

1.4 The Secretary-General continued by drawingattention to some of the major issues on which the viewsof the session would be sought, including the overallWMO involvement in international developmentsconcerning climate-related matters, the further develop-ment of the World Climate Programme (WCP), especiallyin the context of the Climate Agenda, and the focus onthe new CLIPS project. Professor Obasi concluded byexpressing his conviction that the session would result ina set of recommendations which would contributesubstantially to the development of WMO’s position andstanding in regard to many matters of global concern.1.5 There were 127 participants at the session,including representatives of 75 Member countries ofWMO and four international organizations. A completelist of participants is given in Appendix A to this report.1.6 The Commission noted with satisfaction thatthe number of delegations present at the session hadincreased since the last session; however, it still remainedless than the number of Members permanently repre-sented on the Commission. The Commission thereforereiterated the request made at the last session to the pres-ident to bring that matter to the attention of theExecutive Council.

2. ORGANIZATION OF THE SESSION

(agenda item 2)

2.1 CONSIDERATION OF THE REPORT ON CREDENTIALS

(agenda item 2.1)2.1.1 In accordance with General Regulation 22, alist of the persons present and the capacities in whichthey were attending the session was prepared on thebasis of the examination of credentials and presented tothe session. This list was unanimously accepted as thereport on credentials and it was consequently decidednot to establish a Credentials Committee.

2.2 ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA (agenda item 2.2)Following several amendments to the provisionalagenda, the Commission adopted a revised agenda. Theagenda of the session is given in Appendix B to thisreport.

2.3 ESTABLISHMENT OF COMMITTEES (agenda item 2.3)

2.3.1 A Nomination Committee was established,consisting of Messrs W. Kirchhofer (Switzerland),H. Kondo (Japan), J. C. de Moraes (Brazil), A. Rolle(Bahamas), S. I. Avdjushin (Russian Federation),E. Rudel(Austria), Mrs P.M. Lesolle (Botswana) and Ms A.M.S.Catalina (Philippines). Mr Kirchhofer was elected chair-man of the Nomination Committee.2.3.2 A Committee for the Selection of WorkingGroup Members and Rapporteurs was established,

GENERAL SUMMARY OF THE WORK OF THE SESSION

consisting of the following delegates: Mr R. Basher (NewZealand), Mr A. A. Faris (Egypt), Mr A. A. Almakaleh(Republic of Yemen), Mr S. Guoquan (China), Mr J. C. deMoraes (Brazil), Mr J. Laver (United States of America),Ms E. Nieplová (Slovakia), Mr R. Heino (Finland), MrV. Trenin (Russian Federation), Mr O. Moch (France), MrH. Kondo (Japan), Mr S. Njoroge (Kenya). Mr Basher waselected chairman of that committee. 2.3.3 In accordance with General Regulation 28, aCoordination Committee was established, consisting ofthe president and vice-president of the Commission, thechairmen of the committees established for the durationof the session other than the Nomination Committee,and the representative of the Secretary-General.2.3.4 Two working committees were established toexamine in detail various agenda items:(a) Committee A to examine agenda items 5, 6 and 10.

Ms J. Masterton (Canada), Mr S. Njoroge (Kenya)and Mr M. Z. Shaimardanov (Russian Federation)were elected co-chairpersons of the committee;

(b) Committee B to examine agenda items 7, 8 and 12.Mr K. Davidson (United States of America), Mr M.Nicholls (United Kingdom) and Ms M. Voice(Australia) were elected co-chairpersons of thecommittee. Items 3, 4, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16 werediscussed in the Committee of the Whole andchaired by the president and, on his behalf, the vice-president and Mr Moch (France) (agenda item 9).

2.4 OTHER ORGANIZATIONAL MATTERS

(agenda item 2.4)2.4.1 It was agreed that the working hours of thesession would be from 9.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. and from2.30 p.m. to 5.30 p.m.2.4.2 The Commission felt that, in accordance withGeneral Regulation 111, and in view of the technicalnature of its discussions, it was not necessary to prepareminutes of its plenary meetings. The Commission there-fore decided that such minutes would not be prepared forthe twelfth session.

3. REPORT BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE

COMMISSION (agenda item 3)3.1 The Commission noted with appreciation thereport of its president, which contained a review of theactivities of the Commission and its various bodies andrapporteurs since the eleventh session. The Commissionfurther noted that the in-depth report on these activitieshad been submitted by the president of CCl to the forty-eighth session of the Executive Council (Geneva, June1996). The president stated in his presentation toExecutive Council that the Commission could look backover the last decade with considerable pride. He notedthat the Commission was considered one of the key tech-nical commissions of WMO and it was imperative thatthe Commission accept the challenges of the future in abold and positive manner. The president pointed to thechallenge for the Commission during the next four yearsas it had to focus on the issues of the provision of climateservices for sustainable development. Those include thesupport, especially through the Climate Agenda, of the

process of the assessments by IPCC of climate change,and of implementation of the UN/FCCC. It was a firmbelief that the Commission had opportunities for assist-ing people throughout the world to reduce the risks ofadverse climatic effects and to take advantage of themany developments that had led to improved under-standing of how our rich climate resources could betterserve society in the future.3.2 The Comission agreed with the president that amost important task was to make sure that the climateobservations and in particular the observation sites thatwere currently in place were not undermined any further.It was agreed that the continual closing of standardclimatological observation stations in many parts of theworld must be regarded as a very serious issue, and thatWMO should take the initiative to reduce those closures.It was noted that even though many users were willing topay for climatological information, it was still vital thatgovernment authorities continue to collect, qualitycontrol and archive basic climatological data. The presi-dent considered that the ability to cope with futureclimate and to capitalize on and reduce the risks of itsimpacts needed to be further demonstrated. In thatregard he welcomed the successful initiative leading tothe establishment of the WMO CLIPS project. TheCommission emphasized that future action in the devel-opment of climate services would be compromised ifmeteorologists could not deal with the challenge of thepresent climate variability. In that regard, it was espe-cially important to understand the impact of presentclimate on various socio-economic activities as WMOattempts to assess the potential risks caused by futureclimates, which may be different due to human-inducedclimate change or to normal climate variability. TheCommission agreed with the president that it shouldcontinue to play a leading role in providing both thescientific and associated human dimension expertise toclimate and the climate change issues in a world of ever-increasing environmental complexity.3.3 The president reported that the membership ofthe Commission continued to increase and that as of 26March 1997 CCl had 277 members representing 136Member countries.3.4 The president made several suggestions in hisreport and reviewed the extensive activities of the work-ing groups and rapporteurs since the eleventh session ofthe Commission. It was agreed that technical matterswould be considered under the relevant agenda items inorder to avoid unnecessary duplications.3.5 The Commission expressed appreciation for thecomprehensive and useful periodic reports issued ascircular letters by the president, which had provideddetailed information on the Commission’s activities.Those reports would also serve as background informa-tion during the present session. The Commission agreedwith the president’s view that CCl should concentrate itsefforts on a number of important subjects and recordedits decisions in this respect under agenda item 9.3.6 It was noted that the Advisory Working Group ofCCl held two sessions. The first was in Norrköping, Sweden,

ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE TWELFTH SESSION OF THE COMMISSION FOR CLIMATOLOGY2

in October 1993 where a full discussion was held on anumber of matters, including: reference climatologicalstations and the Heritage Climate Data Collection (HCDC);the exchange of data and products from a CCl viewpoint;the preparation and content of the statement on the statusof the global climate, which was primarily the responsibilityof the CCl Working Group on Climate Change Detection;the Tropical Urban Climate Experiment (TRUCE) and theTechnical Conference on Tropical Urban Climates (TECTUC);the Guide to Climatological Practices (WMO-No. 100); issuesrelated to the formulation of the Fourth WMO Long-termPlan; and the terms of reference of CCl. The subjects consid-ered at the second session in Geneva, September 1995included problems concerning CLIMAT messages (use of theold code and poor availability on the GTS), the need for iden-tifying scientifically-endorsed indicators designed to detectthe anthropogenic climate change signal, elaboration of theCLIPS project, and the need for providing further evidence ofthe total value of climate services. 3.7 The president stated that sessions of theAdvisory Committee on Climate Applications and Data(ACCAD), which were chaired by the president of CCl,were held each year in connection with the annualMeetings of Presidents of Technical Commissions. TheCommission took note of the recommendations made byACCAD at its recent sessions on several major issuesrelated to World Climate Data and MonitoringProgramme (WCDMP) or World Climate Applicationsand Services Programme (WCASP). Those included theexchange of climatological data and products, the rela-tionship between WCDMP and Global ClimateObserving System (GCOS), climate change detection,development of the CLIPS project, and the implementa-tion of relevant aspects of the Climate Agenda.3.8 The president reported on the coordination ofthe World Climate Programme, and the Commissionnoted with satisfaction that governing bodies of organi-zations — partners in the development of the ClimateAgenda — had expressed their general support of theClimate Agenda. The Commission also noted with appre-ciation the actions taken by the Secretary-General toobtain support by the Executive Heads of partner organi-zations for the establishment of the Inter-AgencyCommittee on the Climate Agenda (IACCA) as requestedby Twelfth Congress. The outcome of the first meeting ofIACCA, held in Geneva in April 1997, was noted andrelated discussions were recorded under relevant agendaitems below.3.9 The Commission decided to re-establish itsAdvisory Working Group. It was agreed that, in additionto fulfilling the overall task of assisting the president inguiding and coordinating the activities of theCommission and its working groups and rapporteurs, theAdvisory Working Group should give special attention tosome selected topics. The Commission recommendedthat chairmen of the CCl working groups be invited tothe sessions of the Advisory Working Group. Resolution1 (CCl-XII) was adopted.3.10 The Commission noted that since theestablishment of ACCAD by CCl at the request of the

forty-eighth session of the Executive Council, regularmeetings of the Presidents of the TechnicalCommissions had become a forum to discuss variousintercommissional issues. The Commission furthernoted that the IACCA, established at the beginning of1997, specifically included representatives of otherinternational organizations presently represented inACCAD. It was noted that this would ensure thoseorganizations would review contributions of theWCDMP and WCASP to the Climate Agenda, includingmonitoring progress and identifying priority areas. TheCommission therefore concluded that the advisoryfunctions of ACCAD could be effectively carried outthrough the meetings of the presidents of technicalcommissions or other mechanisms within WMO and bythe IACCA, as far as inter-agency issues were concerned.The Commission therefore recommended that itspresident would represent WMO at IACCA. 3.11 It was further suggested that, alternatively, anad hoc Climate Advisory Expert Group could beestablished, possibly on the basis of the CCl AdvisoryWorking Group, which could include experts, selectedon the basis of their specific expertise in the followingsubjects: climate observations, climate data, climatemonitoring, climate applications, climate forecasts,climate services, climate users, operational climatology,and the commercial business sector. The Commissionconsidered that it would be appropriate for thepresident of CCl to be the chairman of that group, andthat other members of the group could be selected on arotating basis for terms of two or three years. Thepresident of CCl would convey the results of therecommendations of that group to the ExecutiveCouncil in his regular reports.3.12 The Commission noted the report from thelast session of the Executive Council and agreed thatissues referred to the Commission would be coveredunder the appropriate agenda items. In particular, itnoted the great emphasis placed on the furtherdevelopment of CLIPS by the Executive Council.3.13 As that was to be the last session chaired by DrMaunder as president of CCl, he wished to place onrecord acknowledgements and thanks to all those whocontributed to the activities of the Commission duringthe last four years, for their support. In particular, thepresident thanked the vice-president, the chairmen ofthe working groups, the rapporteurs and the Secretariatfor their excellent assistance.

4. REPORTS OF THE WORKING GROUPS AND

RAPPORTEURS OF THE COMMISSION FOR

CLIMATOLOGY (CCL) (agenda item 4)4.0.1 The Commission recalled that at its previoussession several working groups had been established anda number of rapporteurs appointed, as described inResolutions 1 through 18 (CCl-XI). The Commissiondecided that although the reports received from chair-men of working groups and rapporteurs were introducedunder that agenda item, they would primarily be consid-ered and discussed under the relevant agenda items, and

GENERAL SUMMARY 3

new resolutions establishing working groups and rappor-teurs for the next inter-sessional period would beconsidered under agenda item 9.

5. CLIMATE SYSTEM MONITORING

(agenda item 5)5.0.1 The Commission noted that the challenge ofdetecting climate change, whether due to natural vari-ability or as a result of human activity, and theever-increasing demand for authoritative and reliableevaluations of current climate, continued to be a power-ful motivating force behind all activities within theWCDMP. It was recognized that the complementaryactivities of the Climate Change Detection and ClimateSystem Monitoring Projects within the WCDMP hadbeen particularly well focused on meeting those chal-lenges by striving to obtain maximum value fromexisting climate system data.5.0.2 The Commission expressed its appreciation toUNEP for its considerable financial support of theClimate System Monitoring Project during the periodfrom 1993 to 1995, which included covering most of thecosts associated with the publication of the fifth GlobalClimate System Review (WMO-No. 819). The Commissionwelcomed the increased collaboration with GCOS inboth the Climate Change Detection and Climate SystemMonitoring Projects. It also welcomed collaboration withCommision for Basic Systems (CBS) in developing theGCOS Surface Network, in implementing the newCLIMAT message code, in monitoring the increasing useof the Internet by national Meteorological andHydrological Services (NMHSs) and in the experimentaldistribution of a few Climate System Monitoring (CSM)products over the GTS. 5.0.3 The Commission expressed satisfaction withthe publication of annual WMO Statements on the statusof the global climate covering each of the four years 1993through 1996, and emphasized the importance of WMObeing recognized as the authoritative source of such valu-able information. It recognized the important role playedby members of the CCl working groups and the leadingrole of the Working Group on Climate Change Detectionin the provision of input of material and reviewcomments.5.0.4 With regard to content, the Commission urgedthat the Statements incorporate, where possible, addi-tional climate system parameters such as indicators fromthe cryosphere, environment, and hydrosphere, takingdue regard for timeliness, and that input be sought froma greater number of centres. In that regard, it appreciatedthe offer of Japan and China to provide input. In recog-nizing the importance of reporting on climate-relatednatural disasters, the Commission urged that, whereverpossible, an associated historical perspective be included.5.0.5 The Commission urged that distribution ofinformation in the annual Statements be as timely and aswidespread as possible, taking full advantage of moderncommunications technology. To enhance the value ofthe product, the Commission recommended that thesalient information be collected as soon as possible to

ensure that a press release summarizing the main featuresof the global climate in the past year be issued at thebeginning of January and that the final version of theStatement be issued by the end of January each year.

5.1 CLIMATE CHANGE DETECTION (agenda item 5.1) 5.1.1 A number of rapporteurs presented theCommission with reports on topics that related toclimate change detection, including data-series homo-geneity, statistical methods, metadata and griddeddatasets. The Commission noted and agreed with theplans of the GCOS/Global Ocean Observing System(GOOS)/Global Terrestrial Observing System (GTOS) JointData Information and Management Panel (JDIMP) toregister rather than try to certify a number of relevantdatasets. The Commission noted the written reports ofthese rapporteurs on climate change detection topics andthose of a few rapporteurs who were absent.5.1.2 The presentation of Mr C. Ropelewski (UnitedStates of America), chairman of the Working Group onClimate Change Detection, focused on the proposal tore-establish the working group jointly with the Study onClimate Variability and Predictability (CLIVAR). TheCommission agreed with this proposal. The Commissionendorsed the working group’s role to serve as an advisorygroup on data and activities related to the detection andassessment of climate change.5.1.3 Noting the suggestion made by the TwelfthCongress that consideration be given to reconstitutingthe CCl Working Group on Climate Change Detection asa joint CCl/CLIVAR working group and the subsequentactions of the working group in support of this sugges-tion, the Commission proposed to establish such a jointworking group and suggested revised terms of referenceof the existing working group (see agenda item 9).5.1.4 The Commission noted the outcome of a meet-ing held in June 1997 in Asheville, North Carolina,United States of America on developing indices forclimate extremes and a follow-up meeting in July inMelbourne, Australia of a special CCl task group toconsider the development of a broader set of indices tomonitor climate variability and detect climate change incollaboration with CLIVAR. The Commission welcomedthe initiative to develop a subset of indices related tosocio-economic aspects that could be easily understoodand used by policy makers. It urged the continuation ofthis priority activity within WCDMP and furthermore,that the Commission play a leadership role.

5.2 REVIEW OF THE STATE OF THE GLOBAL AND

REGIONAL CLIMATE AND ITS VARIABILITY

(agenda item 5.2)5.2.1 The Commission noted with interest thediscussion that evolved from the earlier agenda item onthe WMO Statements on the status of the global climatethat related to the broader issue of CSM. In particular, theCommission noted that there is some duplication andoverlap in the content of the various CSM publicationspublished by the WMO Secretariat and urged that effortsbe taken to minimize duplication and at the same timelook for ways to expand the readership of this material.

ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE TWELFTH SESSION OF THE COMMISSION FOR CLIMATOLOGY4

The Commission also noted the publication of annualclimate bulletins in Regional Association (RA) VI, whichbegan for the year 1994 and which could serve as a goodexample to encourage the publication of similar bulletinsin other WMO Regions. Additionally, the Commissionnoted that a growing number of countries are producingnational, annual, seasonal and monthly climatebulletins. It urged more Members to put their nationalCSM products on the Internet and suggested that theWMO Secretariat continue to help facilitate access tothese national products through the WMO Web site.5.2.2 The Commission welcomed the streamliningefforts that had been made to ensure the continuation ofthe Climate System Monitoring Monthly Bulletin, andencouraged those Members having access to the WorldWide Web through the Internet to use this as the sourceof timely CSM information, thereby further reducing theneed for paper distribution. The Commission endorsedthe concept of a WMO-coordinated near-real-timeclimate alert system which could be used with, orreplace, the CSM Monthly Bulletin. Realizing that thisconcept needed more thought and consultation, theCommission recommended that it be given furtherconsideration by its Advisory Working Group. 5.2.3 Following the presentation of the Rapporteuron CSM, the Commission endorsed the WMO initiativeto produce a publication on the climate of the twentiethcentury in collaboration with other organizations such asthe IPCC. It encouraged members to support and provideinput to the project. It proposed to take advantage of thisopportunity to publicize the role that the Commissionhas performed this century in facilitating the access toand use of climate data for scientific climate-relatedresearch and for the development of climate applications.5.2.4 The Commission welcomed plans to approachcommercial publishers with a view to entering into co-sponsorship arrangement in order to reduce WMO costsof the Climate of the twentieth century publication andpossibly make more funds available for other high prior-ity activities. It also welcomed plans to engage one ormore science writers to ensure that the publication wouldappeal to a large audience. The Commission expressed itsappreciation to Australia for initiating and taking thelead in this project.5.2.5 The Commission expressed its appreciation tothe climate centers and individual scientists whosupported the project, including providing input to theCSM Monthly Bulletin, the fifth Global Climate SystemReview (1995), and the sixth Global Climate System Review(expected to be released in 1998). It also suggested thatadditional means be sought to provide for morewidespread distribution of such excellent publications,for example through commercial publishing houses.

5.3 REFERENCE CLIMATE OBSERVATION NETWORKS

(agenda item 5.3)5.3.1 Following the presentation by the Rapporteuron the Global Climate Observing System (GCOS), theCommission noted with satisfaction the jointCCl/CBS/GCOS initiatives to establish a GCOS upper air

network (GUAN) and a global surface network (GSN) forthe purpose of monitoring global climate variability anddetecting change. It urged continued vigilance andencouragement to ensure that WMO Members maintainobservation programmes at designated sites androutinely distribute data over the GlobalTelecommunication System (GTS) using the appropriateCLIMAT and CLIMAT TEMP message codes. TheCommission expressed concern at the dwindling obser-vational network and urged Members to regard theseGSN stations as a standard for developing and improvingthe denser national reference climatological networksthat are needed for climate change studies at the regionalto national scale and to facilitate the implementation ofthe WMO CLIPS project. The Commission continued toencourage all WMO Members to establish national refer-ence climatological station networks at a higher densitythan the GSN and to maintain consistent and homoge-nous climate data from these networks.5.3.2 The Commission welcomed the plans to final-ize and maintain the GSN that were formulated at a jointCBS/CCl/GCOS meeting of experts at De Bilt,Netherlands at the end of June 1997, and it agreed withthe recommendations made. These plans included seek-ing a commitment from involved WMO Membercountries to maintain observations at designated sites,routinely transmit CLIMAT messages, and provide histor-ical climate and related metadata for each of these sitesto central repositories. The Commission agreed that theWorld Data Centres A and B for meteorology would bethe most appropriate locations for these repositories andthat the data and metadata associated with CLIMATreports be deemed essential in accordance withResolution 40 (Cg-XII — WMO Policy and Practice forthe Exchange of Meteorological and Related Data andProducts Including Guidelines on Relationships inCommercial Meteorological Activities). The Commissionalso agreed that the availability and quality of CLIMATmessages being distributed over the GTS be globallymonitored by monitoring centres, with the assistance ofregionally-designated focal points. In this regard, theCommission welcomed the offers of Germany and Japanto serve as monitoring centres. The recommended use ofan Internet site to provide up-to-date information on thestatus of the GSN was also welcomed by theCommission.5.3.3 The Commission noted the process of automat-ing meteorological observations and urged Members tosystematically compare data obtained from automatedstations with those from climatological reference stationsto ensure homogeneity in data.5.3.4 The Commission recognized the need toimprove GSN data coverage in some parts of the world,especially in the Antarctic. In this regard, it welcomedthe establishment of a new Antarctic base by South Africaand invited other Members to consider joint participa-tion in its operation and maintenance. 5.3.5 Noting that a new version of the CLIMAT code wasintroduced in December 1994 and that several WMOMembers are still using the old CLIMAT code (36 countries at

GENERAL SUMMARY 5

the end of January 1997), the Commission urged itsMembers to assist the WMO Secretariat in ensuring that allWMO Members have adopted the new procedures and thatthey are being used correctly. In noting a similar concern inthe report of the eleventh session of CBS (general summaryparagraph 6.4.8) and a related proposal to improve the time-liness of distribution (transmission of CLIMAT reports by thefifth day of each month, but not later than the eighth day),the Commission recommended collaboration between theappropriate CCl and CBS working groups to resolve theseproblems as soon as possible. 5.3.6 The Commission expressed concern that onlyabout 60 per cent of the messages from stations that havebeen designated in Volume A of Weather Reporting(WMO-No. 9) for routine GTS distribution of monthlyCLIMAT and CLIMAT TEMP messages are actually availableinternationally on the GTS. It recommended that stepsbe taken to improve the completeness of datasets avail-able on the GTS, which should include encouraging allWMO Members to update the listings in WeatherReporting, Volume A of those stations designated forroutine transmission of CLIMAT and CLIMAT TEMPmessages on the GTS.

6. CLIMATE DATA MANAGEMENT (agenda item 6)6.0.1 The Commission recognized the importance ofall aspects of managing climate data and its associatedmetadata, which include: searching for existing data andmetadata; retrieving, documenting, preserving andarchiving them; performing quality control; creatingdatasets of original or derived data (e.g. homogenized orgridded data sets); and making the data and associatedmetadata accessible to potential users. The Commissionstressed that these aspects of climate data managementform the fundamental basis for the uses of climate datain climate-related research and in applications such asthe WMO CLIPS project.6.0.2 The Commission appreciated that the datamanagement aspects of the WCDMP have been imple-mented through three projects: Climate Computing(CLICOM) and World Climate Data Information ReferralServices (INFOCLIMA), Development of ClimateDatabases, and Assistance to Members to ImproveClimate Data Management. CLICOM and INFOCLIMAare usually referred to as separate activities and, similarly,the DARE and Archival Climate History Survey(ARCHISS) projects, both falling within the project enti-tled Assistance to Members to Improve Climate DataManagement, are usually referred to as separate projectsin their own right.6.0.3 The Commission recognized that the imple-mentation of the data management projects within theWCDMP will continue to rely heavily on contributionsfrom outside the WMO regular budget, especially fromWMO Members. In this regard, the Commission notedwith appreciation significant contributions made by anumber of Members to the WCDMP projects. TheCommission also noted with appreciation the contribu-tion of UNEP in purchasing of microfilming equipmentfor DARE I and to the International Council on Archives

and the United Nations Educational, Scientific andCultural Organization (UNESCO) for the coordinationsupport in implementing the ARCHISS project.6.0.4 The Commission received with appreciation anoverview presentation on a variety of activities of theWorking Group on Climate Data given by its chairman,Mr K. Davidson (United States of America), as well asreports from a number of rapporteurs on topics related toclimate data management, including data rescue, datafrom automatic observing stations and satellite data. TheCommission noted the written reports of these rappor-teurs and a few rapporteurs who were absent that hadbeen published in the WCDMP report series.

6.1 DATA COLLECTION, INCLUDING DATA RESCUE

(DARE) (agenda item 6.1)6.1.1 The Commission welcomed the initiative tobegin preparations to publish a document that willprovide comprehensive guidance on the rescue, preserva-tion and management of climate data with particularemphasis on data rescue needs of developing countries. Itnoted that this guidance document is intended tocomplement the new Guide to Climatological Practices(WMO-No. 100). In view of the importance of this typeof guidance, the Commission urged that the documentbe published as soon as possible under the WCDMPreport series and that consideration be given to publish-ing it in the other official languages of WMO.6.1.2 The Commission noted the shrinking meteoro-logical observation networks on the one hand and, onthe other hand, the welcome growth of automatedsurface observations. It agreed with plans to include guid-ance on the management of climate data from automaticstations and metadata into the guidelines on the preser-vation and management of climate data (generalsummary paragraph 6.1.1). In cases where it is plannedto automate an observation site, the Commission urgedWMO Members to allow for a suitable period of parallelobservations to facilitate the maintenance of a homoge-neous historical climate record at the site, particularly forreference climatological stations, including those in theGCOS Surface and Upper Air Networks. The Commissionwelcomed other related recommendations on automaticstations put forth by the Rapporteur on Processing ofData from Automatic Observing Stations.6.1.3 The Commission noted that a total of 41 coun-tries in Africa had benefited from Belgium’s support ofthe DARE project, which ended at the end of June 1997.It welcomed the initiative to establish an ongoing DAREsupport function at the African Centre of MeteorologicalApplications for Development (ACMAD) in Niamey,Niger while maintaining an International Data RescueCoordination Centre (IDRCC) in Brussels, Belgium. TheCommission urged that the data access policy of theIDRCC be adopted by ACMAD. Noting that very little ofthe data contained in the nearly five million documentsthat have been rescued on microfilm and microfiche hasbeen digitized, it urged African countries to continuetheir DARE activities and make every effort possible todigitize the data, especially using CLICOM equipment, in

ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE TWELFTH SESSION OF THE COMMISSION FOR CLIMATOLOGY6

order to significantly improve its utility in the develop-ment of climate applications and services.6.1.4 The Commission noted that, despite the devel-opment of a well-defined DARE plan for RA IV and theavailability of funds, progress on implementation hadbeen slowed by the difficulties in finding suitablecomputer optical scanning technology. It welcomed theimplementation of a pilot DARE project in Belize usingmicrofilming equipment for preserving data and a desk-top computer for digitization and recommended thatother countries in the Region consider adopting thismore traditional data rescue approach. The Commissionencouraged the implementation of DARE activity inother WMO Regions in this regard, and congratulatedJapan for its ongoing digitizing of millions of marinemeteorological observations for the period 1890-1932.6.1.5 The Commission noted the recent progressmade in implementing the ARCHISS project, especiallyduring the last two years when valuable instrumentalclimate data was found in the national archives of Cubaand Mexico. It urged support of plans to continue toimplement the project in several countries in Regions IIIand IV.6.1.6 The Commission noted the plans of theInternational Geosphere-Biosphere Programme (IGBP)Past Global Changes (PAGES) Project, and the ClimaticResearch Unit of the University of East Anglia, UnitedKingdom, to convene workshops on historical climatol-ogy in 1998. It considered that this would be a goodopportunity for ARCHISS project collaboration on howto exploit the potential treasure of historical and otherproxy climate data that exist in national archives.

6.2 DATA PROCESSING, INCLUDING CLIMATE

COMPUTING (CLICOM) (agenda item 6.2)6.2.1 The Commission noted with satisfaction thatthe total number of countries that have installed theCLICOM software exceeded 130 and regional CLICOMArea Support Centres (ASCs) have been established toserve RA I in ACMAD, RA III in Chile, RA IV in theCaribbean Meteorological Institute (CMI) and RA V inMalaysia. In addition, equipment has been ordered for anASC in the Russian Federation to serve the NewlyIndependent States (NIS). The Commission noted thedecentralization of the maintenance and development ofthe CLICOM core software to regional ASCs andwelcomed the recent practice to include training onCLIPS in regional CLICOM training seminars, and theinvolvement of the ASCs in ACMAD and the CMI in theDARE I and DARE IV projects, respectively.6.2.2 In view of the success of recent CLICOM seminarscombined with CLIPS and DARE issues that have involvedthe newly established CLICOM ASCs, the Commissionrecommended more CLICOM training, including ASC-orga-nized training seminars integrated with training on CLIPSand DARE. It also recommended that a regional CLICOMrapporteur be designated from each ASC. Based on theACMAD experience, the Commission also urged thatselected trainees from different regions be given the opportu-nity to spend a few months at an appropriate ASC to take

advantage of the available equipment and expertise toadvance their capabilities.6.2.3 The Commission noted the effort that wasunder way in 1997 to add specific enhancements to theCLICOM core software which will result in the plannedrelease in 1998 of an updated version 3.1 of the CLICOMsoftware. It also noted the initiative to examine existingclimate database management systems (CDMSs) thatcould be adapted to meet the needs of those countrieswanting a system more advanced than CLICOM. TheCommission recognized that the release of CLICOM 3.1should be the last version of that particular system butcould remain in use in individual countries as a transientversion until a successor system becomes operational.6.2.4 The Commission recommended continuationof the WMO-coordinated initiative that was launched ata May 1997 meeting of experts in Toulouse, France tosatisfy those WMO Members wanting a CDMS moreadvanced than CLICOM. It also recommended that thisevolutionary development take maximum advantage ofcommercially-developed software, and that users beinvolved in developing and testing a prototype.Furthermore, the Commission agreed with recommenda-tions of the meeting; in particular, the Commissionrequested the Working Group on Climate Data to estab-lish a small Task Group to work closely with users tospecify a future CDMS, which will be available as areplacement for the current CLICOM system. It wasfurther noted that the Czech Republic, Finland, theRussian Federation, and the United States of Americaexpressed their wish to participate in the work of the TaskGroup. The Commission noted that a user group toinvolve others who work with climatological databaseswould be initiated by the WMO Secretariat through theInternet to encourage the exchange of expertise andskills.6.2.5 Noting that many of the CLICOM installationsoccurred before 1991 and that there have been dramaticadvances in technology since then, the Commissionstrongly urged donor countries to contribute and facili-tate upgrading of CLICOM hardware in developingcountries, on a priority basis. The Commission furthernoted that for the next few years CLICOM should beprovided with hardware that is expected to be capable ofsupporting the future CDMS design, and proposed anacceleration of the CDMS work so that appropriate hard-ware can be purchased.6.2.6 The Commission expressed its wish that itwould be necessary to define specifically the potentialrole of Regional Climate Centres. The Commissionconsidered that, after this, Members could be approachedto identify those who may wish to host such Centres,bearing in mind a possibility to build up already existingcentres such as those for CLICOM and DARE.

6.3 CLIMATE DATASETS PRODUCTION (agenda item 6.3)6.3.1 The Commission noted with satisfaction theprogress made in this project, much of which wasattributable to the work done by the National ClimaticData Center (NCDC), in Asheville, North Carolina,

GENERAL SUMMARY 7

United States of America in assembling of the standardWMO Climatological Normals for the Period 1961-1990,publishing the remaining volumes of the World WeatherRecords 1971-1980 and Volumes I and II of the 1981-1990series which include data from RA IV and RA VI respec-tively. It was additionally noted that the NCDC releasedCD ROMS with updated global baseline datasets ofsurface land and ocean data, and radiosonde data. Whistnoting that some countries produce climatologicalnormals on a more frequent basis and outside the stan-dard normals period, the Commission considered itadvisable for WMO not to change its established proce-dure to produce and make available standard normalsevery 30 years, i.e. 1931—1960, 1961—1990, etc. TheCommission urged that the utmost care be taken in theobservation and management of data from climatologicalnormals stations to ensure that high quality data areavailable for users.6.3.2 Noting the establishment of the GCOS upper-air network (GUAN) and the imminent establishment ofthe GCOS surface network (GSN), the Commissionconsidered that the historical data and metadata for allsites that have been identified for these networks shouldbe compiled into two respective individual datasets andmade widely available.6.3.3 Noting the growing use of satellite data in themonitoring and analysis of climate variability andchange and in the development of global climate models,the Commission urged its members in general, and theWorking Group on Climate Data in particular, to givegreater consideration to the quality and use of this valu-able source of climate information in the creation ofclimate databases. The Commission recommended that arapporteur on remotely-sensed data be established withinthe Working Group on Climate Data.

6.4 CLIMATE DATA EXCHANGE (agenda item 6.4)6.4.1 The Commission noted the plans to make allthe information that is contained in the World ClimateData Information Referral Services (INFOCLIMA) databasecatalogue of climate system datasets available through theWorld Wide Web on the Internet. It considered that thisinitiative and future developments within the INFO-CLIMA project should respond to new requirements,including those related to climate change detection.Furthermore, the Commission urged close collaborationwith the GCOS/GOOS/GTOS Joint Data and InformationManagement Panel (JDIMP) and in the implementationof the WMO Distributed Databases (DDBs) concept. Inthis connection, the Commission noted the need todefine more clearly the WMO DDB concept.6.4.2 Recognizing the need for users of CLIMATmessage reports to know the normals values of elementsincluded in the messages, the Commission was satisfiedwith the NCDC proposal to use the routine publicationof the Monthly Climatic Data for the World to informWMO Members of new standard normals values whenthe WMO Secretariat has been notified of the new values.It urged WMO Members to submit their new normalsdata on a digital rather than paper medium.

Furthermore, it recommended that the standard normalsperiod (e.g. 1961-1990) be maintained as the basis forpreparation of relevant parts of CLIMAT messages.6.4.3 The Commission noted with satisfaction thedistribution to all WMO Members and to subscribers of theBulletin of the American Meteorological Society a CD-ROMcontaining a selection of global grid-point data from theNCEP/NCAR Reanalysis data set donated by NationalOceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).Additionally, it noted the offer of a CD-ROM containing aglobal gridded surface dataset that has been prepared jointlyby the Hadley Centre United Kingdom and the JetPropulsion Laboratory United States of America. TheCommission recommended continued efforts to make grid-ded datasets widely available in digital format, especially todeveloping countries to promote capacity building andimprove the input of data from developing countries that areneeded to create the gridded datasets.6.4.4 The Commission took note of Resolution 40(Cg-XII), as a new practice designed to strengthen theinternational exchange of meteorological and relateddata and products. In response to the request of theforty-ninth session of the Executive Council, theCommission invited the president to set up, with someurgency, a small ad hoc Task Team to help clarify thoseaspects of WMO Resolution 40 (Cg-XII) pertaining to theinternational exchange of climate data and products,taking into consideration the needs of NMHSs, GCOS,IPCC, UN/FCCC, and other users of climate data andproducts. In particular, the Commission felt that thedeliberations of the Task Team on the InternationalExchange of Climate Data and Products should providerecommendations to the president which could bebrought to the attention of the Executive Council duringits next session.

6.5 THE YEAR 2000 PROBLEM (agenda item 6.5)6.5.1 The Commission noted the action initiated bythe WMO Secretariat in July 1997 to inform all WMOMembers on the year 2000 problem, which is the genericterm used for the problems that may occur withcomputer hardware and software at the change of datefrom 31 December 1999 to 1 January 2000. WMOMembers were invited by correspondence to examinetheir automated systems with respect to the year 2000compliancy and, if necessary, to undertake measures toovercome the problem. The Commission urged allMembers to respond to this invitation, paying particularattention to the possible effects on the management ofclimate data and provision of climate services.Furthermore, it was strongly encouraged that Memberssimulate and test their data systems using observationaldates of the next century. The Commission alsorequested the Working Group on Climate Data to recom-mend a contact point for advice about this problem.

6.6 USE OF INTERNET, INCLUDING THE WMO HOME

PAGE (agenda item 6.6)6.6.1 The Commission noted that access to theInternet is growing among NMHSs and is critical forclimate information management, including the imple-

ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE TWELFTH SESSION OF THE COMMISSION FOR CLIMATOLOGY8

mentation of the WMO CLIPS Project. It further notedthat climate data and products are increasingly beingmade available through the World Wide Web (WWW)sites established at numerous climate centres and at theWMO Secretariat. The Commission requested that the e-mail and Web site addresses of those centresdisseminating CLIPS products be made available toMembers by the WMO Secretariat.6.6.2 The Commission recommended that theWorking Group on CLIPS consider means to increaseNMHSs’ electronic access capability to climate monitor-ing and forecast products with a view to improving thequality and timeliness of the products and reducing cost.Furthermore, it suggested additional material to go onthe WMO home page, including drafts of Guides whenavailable, guidance documents and pointers to sites atwhich climate alert information may be available.

7. CLIMATE INFORMATION AND PREDICTION

SERVICES (CLIPS) (agenda item 7)7.0.1 The Commission noted with satisfaction thatthe ideas relating to a CLIPS initiative discussed withinthe framework of the CCl had received approval by theTwelfth Congress, which established the WMO CLIPSproject within the WCASP. It further noted that follow-ing the request by Congress, several activities had beeninitiated by CCl and the WMO Secretariat, including theorganization of expert meetings, special expert and fact-finding missions to Member countries, capacity-buildingand training events, development of several pilot projectproposals, as well as the preparation of an action plan forCLIPS. The Commission recognized that CLIPS is aproject that bridges the gaps among the various projectswithin the Commission, from issues concerning climatedata utilization to the provision of services to the users.The Commission further recognized that users werecreating increasing pressure for the provision of informa-tion. The Commission urged Members to respond to thisdemand, putting into practice their vast competence andknowledge, since this will create many opportunities formeteorologists and climatologists.7.0.2 The Commission noted the expedient measurestaken by the Secretary-General regarding establishmentof a CLIPS Project Office (CPO) within the World ClimateProgramme Department and the allocation, followingthe decision of the forty-eighth session of the ExecutiveCouncil, of substantial funds towards this purpose. TheCommission further noted with appreciation the extra-budgetary support provided by some Member countriesas well as the valuable in-kind contributions in the formof lecturers and experts in support of CLIPS-relatedcapacity building. The Commission endorsed actionstaken by the CPO and the plans for further implementa-tion of the project. The Commission particularlyencouraged the rapid initiation of the pilot and demon-stration projects.7.0.3 The Commission noted that the CLIPS projectconsists of several components including training, pilotprojects, liaison with research programmes, and network-ing, and considered that in general the concepts and

plans for the project reflect initial considerations by CClexperts and the recommendations of the expert andworking groups. The Commission recommended that aprudent approach should be taken when describingclimate information and prediction services and theirpotential skill and benefits to users and decision makers.It was stressed that seriously negative results can comefrom overselling the capabilities of predictions andapplications, noting that seasonal predictions in someparts of the world were not sufficiently accurate at thistime. The Commission, however, noted that fast develop-ment of climate prediction models should lead tosignificant gains in climate prediction in the comingyears and that Members should be encouraged to evalu-ate and use these predictions.7.0.4 The Commission noted the difficulties faced bymany Members in the preparation of climate informationand predictions which were caused by lack of uniformity offormats and data exchange procedures. It encouragedMembers to adhere to internationally accepted methods ofdata archiving and exchange, and to promote such practicesamong other national institutions.7.0.5 The Commission noted the emphasis on capac-ity building within the CLIPS project. It agreed that thecoordination of the training in automated data manage-ment (CLICOM) and CLIPS was beneficial, as it tookadvantage of the concentration of expertise andpresented the full spectrum of modern climate services,from well organized and quality controlled climatologicaldata and information to climate predictions of knownskill, to applications with strong user involvement (seealso agenda item 11).7.0.6 The Commission noted the recent develop-ments in capacity building in the CLIPS area in Region I,in particular through the involvement of ACMAD. TheCommission considered that this would help in intro-ducing enhanced climate services aspects in theoperations of the NMHSs in the Region. The Commissionstrongly recommended that similar developments bepursued as soon as possible in other Regions.7.0.7 The Commission recalled that the TwelfthCongress emphasized the need for joint CLIPS activities withthe research programmes, particularly WCRP. TheCommission noted that the research community wasinvolved in the development of the concept of the project.The Commission welcomed the actions taken to ensureproper coordination with international organizations andinstitutions involved in climate issues. It urged that appropri-ate steps be taken by WMO to ensure the coordinationachieves the maximum cooperation in activities while avoid-ing overlap and duplication. In this regard, the Commissionrecommended that WMO pursue strong links among institu-tions and organizations and programmes, and appropriateforecasting centres and international research networks inother regions. The Commission noted that the work wasunder way to address the problem of conflicting forecastsand variety of formats. It stressed that in coordination withthe research community on the issues concerning climatepredictions, the CLIPS project focus should be on the guide-lines for the publication of predictions and outlooks, rather

GENERAL SUMMARY 9

than in the creation of such products. The Commissionnoted with satisfaction the joint training conducted with theIRI at the ACMAD. 7.0.8 The Commission noted the informationprovided by UNEP on the World Climate ImpactAssessment and Response Strategies Programme (WCIRP)and took particular interest in the development of ahandbook for climate change impact and adaptationassessment. The Commission urged WMO to take appro-priate actions to ensure that the handbook fullyrepresented the views of the climate community.7.0.9 The Commission received with appreciationthe report of the Chairman of the Working Group onOperational Use of Climatological Knowledge,Mr O. Moch (France), who noted that there was a need toevaluate the uncertainties in climate prediction, and alsouncertainties in the output of those predictions, andproposed that the CLIPS project address uncertaintieswithin climate predictions. The Chairman expressed theneed to give additional attention to the following issues:urban climatology, quality of climate services and spatialinterpolation of observational data.

7.1 INTERPRETATION OF CLIMATE PRODUCTS (agendaitem 7.1)

7.1.1 The Commission noted the activities organizedunder the CLIPS project to enhance the capacity of NMHSsto interpret and disseminate climate products. TheCommission urged the Secretariat to include this topic in allregional/subregional workshops and pilot/demonstrationprojects. In particular, the Commission noted the integralrole of the Climate Outlook Fora (COF) in building capacityamong the NMHSs, and urged the Secretariat to work topromote the conduct of such fora in all Regions as appropri-ate. The Commission received with appreciation the reportof the Rapporteur on Climate System Monitoring Productsand their Application (Mr R. Basher, New Zealand) whonoted the importance of monitoring in the early warning ofthe emergence of persistent climate anomalies. He stressedthat NMHSs had to become closely aligned with users tounderstand clearly how climate affects them and howclimate information could be used effectively.7.1.2 The Commission noted that the presidents ofCCl and CBS had considered jointly the recommenda-tions of CBS on revised definition of forecast ranges andconsequently a proposal on this subject had been submit-ted to the forty-ninth session of the Executive Council.The Commission further noted that the ExecutiveCouncil had requested CBS, in consultation with CCland the Commission for Atmospheric Studies (CAS), toreconsider the definitions of forecasting ranges. TheCommission therefore asked the president to arrange forconsultations with members of relevant working groupsof CCl and to ensure that the CCl-related practices indefining forecast ranges would be adequately included inthe proposals to the Executive Council.

7.2 INTERACTION WITH USERS (agenda item 7.2)7.2.1 The Commission noted with satisfaction thatin the CLIPS project, priority was given to the issuesrelated to closer interaction with the potential users of

climate services. It recalled that the Commission alwaysconsidered this as very important, and that the relevantand still valid reports had been prepared by CCl rapporteurs. The Commission noted that interactionwith the users had formed an important component ofthe capacity-building efforts of the CLIPS project, andurged Members to give particular attention to strength-ening their interactions with users through all phases ofthe implementation of climate services.7.2.2 The Commission also noted with pleasure theprogress made in the coordination of activities with theSouth Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP).It recommended that WMO assist in setting up a regionalbulletin within the SPREP region as it relates to the CLIPSproject.7.2.3 The Commission noted with gratitude the offerof China to conduct a pilot project within the frameworkof CLIPS, noting both China’s climate sensitivity and itsconsiderable progress in climate science and technology.

7.3 SOCIO-ECONOMIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS

FROM CLIMATE SERVICES (agenda item 7.3)7.3.1 The Commission noted with appreciation thecomprehensive report prepared by Mr J. M. Nicholls for theCLIPS project on Economic and Social Benefits of ClimatologicalInformation and Services: A Review of Existing Assessments,WCASP Report No. 38 (WMO/TD-No. 780). TheCommission encouraged Members to incorporate relevantinformation from the report in budget planning documentsand information packages for public consumption. TheCommission urged Members to undertake new studies of thesocio-economic and environmental benefits from climateservices, taking care to address the value of information onclimate to the decision maker, and to quantify the actual orpotential value of applying the information, especially at themarket sector, regional or national levels. The Commissionfurther urged Members to involve users in the assessment ofeconomic benefits.7.3.2 The Commission noted with appreciation thereport of the Rapporteur on Economic and Social Benefitsof Climate Services, (Mr V. Trenin, Russian Federation),on the results of a survey to determine the relationshipbetween national climate services and the evaluation ofsocio-economic efficiency. The rapporteur recommendedthe report be published in the WCASP series. TheCommission considered it important to generate infor-mation that NMHSs may use to persuade governments ofthe value of climate services and to improve coordinationof activities on the evaluation of socio-economic benefitsof climate services. Resolution 2 (CCl-XII) was adopted.7.3.3 The Commission noted with appreciationinformation provided by the delegation of Mauritius onnational CLIPS activities and by the delegation of NewZealand on the survey conducted on benefits of climateprediction for New Zealand.

7.4 EVALUATION AND REVIEW OF OPERATIONAL

CLIMATE PREDICTIONS (agenda item 7.4)7.4.1 The Commission noted the complexity involvedin the use of climate predictions, arising from the variety oftypes of prediction methods, time periods, areal coverages

ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE TWELFTH SESSION OF THE COMMISSION FOR CLIMATOLOGY10

and skills. It was recognized that the term predictions meantteleconnections, database analyses and empirical/statisticalprojections, not just numerical model forecasts. TheCommission considered that the need for information onassessing the types and quality of prediction methods wasurgent, and that ways should be developed to enable users tobe informed of the quality associated with a given method.The benefits and problems associated with the free flow ofthe predictions on the Internet was noted, and theCommission concluded that while there were no means orwill to stop anyone from putting climate information on theInternet, it could be proposed that official predictions beaccompanied by information on uncertainties and quality.7.4.2 The Commission further wished to emphasizethe importance it attached to the concept of, and inter-national standards for, indices for evaluation of quality ofclimate predictions. This was to allow for a comparisonof performance of different models in various situations,which was essential for both users and scientists whodeveloped these models.

8. DEVELOPMENT OF CLIMATE APPLICATION

METHODOLOGIES FOR VARIOUS SOCIO-ECONOMIC SECTORS (agenda item 8)

8.0.1 The Commission noted with satisfaction theprogress made under the WCASP and emphasized theimportance of further development of this programme,particularly with respect to the WMO CLIPS project inclose cooperation with NMHSs. It was recognized thatactivities have been carried out within the framework ofthe three WCASP projects included in the Fourth WMOLong-term Plan:(a) CLIPS;(b) Assistance to Members in developing their climate

application services; and(c) Development of methodologies to assess climate

and climate change effects on various socio-economic activities.

It was further recognized that, regarding sector-orientedactivities, major focus had been on issues relating climateto urban development, human health and energy.8.0.2 The Commission noted with appreciation thereport by the chairman of the Working Group onOperational Use of Climatological Knowledge (Mr O. Moch,France), as well as the various reports by rapporteurs withterms of reference focusing on climate application andservices. The Commission recognized that a major thrustwithin the WCASP programme during the past inter-sessional period had been the development of CLIPS andrecommended that the CLIPS project should be a high prior-ity activity in the coming years.8.0.3 The Commission noted that the working grouphad met in two sessions: the first in Mauritius inNovember 1994, the second in Geneva in May 1996. Itwas recognized that the reports of these sessions werecontained in WCASP Nos 31 and 37 respectively andconstituted the basic report of the group to CCl-XII.8.0.4 The Commission was informed that at itssecond session, the working group reviewed anddiscussed the progress reports submitted by its members

as rapporteurs on specific subjects. It further consideredthe development of the CLIPS project and made specificproposals in this regard. The Commission decided toconsider the recommendations made concerning theselection and specification of applications and servicesmethods, to be described in the third edition of the Guideto Climatological Practices (WMO-No. 100), under agendaitem 10.8.0.5 In considering the development of the applica-tions and services programmes of Members, theCommission noted a marked increase in activities inmany countries. It was considered useful to continue tomonitor the progress of climate applications and servicesin various socio-economic sectors. The informationcontained in the WCP database was considered a valu-able source which should facilitate the work of the CClworking groups and rapporteurs in the future.8.0.6 Regarding the Commission’s mechanism fordealing with WCASP issues during the coming interses-sional period, it was decided to establish working groupscomposed of rapporteurs on principal relevant applica-tions subjects and to appoint several individualrapporteurs. The establishment of liaison with otherbodies, e.g. other WMO technical commissions, wasarranged partly through the attribution of specific tasksto members of the Advisory Working Group.8.0.7 The Commission noted that the recommenda-tion of the 1992 Meeting of Presidents of TechnicalCommissions, i.e. that a new and more flexible approachshould be taken by forming so-called Task Groupsconsisting of experts from technical commissions toinvestigate specific questions, as well as foreseenbudgetary restraints, had been followed. It thus notedthat the work of the CCI Working Group on Energy-Meteorology had been conducted throughcorrespondence. Members of the CCl working groupshad, however, formed the core of task groups on TRUCEand on CLIPS. The Commission agreed that the taskgroup approach should be pursued even more widely toensure that the Commission would respond efficientlyand effectively to the emerging issues.8.0.8 The Commission noted the contributions andpotential contributions of the research community andthe private sector to the development of applications.8.0.9 The Commission was informed, and noted withappreciation, the close collaboration between WCASP andthe WCIRP, handled by UNEP, on matters of applications ofclimate, particularly on the urban climate, climate andhuman health and in the area of matters of energy.

8.1 URBAN DEVELOPMENT (agenda item 8.1)8.1.1 The Commission noted that the growingconcern over the deteriorating and changing urban envi-ronment had led to intensification of activities in relatedareas within several WMO Programmes. The Commissionemphasized the need to develop and disseminate meth-ods to describe the urban climate and its spacial andtemporal variations. It noted that WMO had played amajor role in the preparatory process for, as well asduring, the Second United Nations Conference on

GENERAL SUMMARY 11

Human Settlements (HABITAT II) held in Istanbul, Turkeyin 1996. The resulting HABITAT Agenda was consideredan important guide in formulating future policies andactivities for WMO, and in particular CCl, in the area ofurban climatology.8.1.2 The Commission noted with appreciation theactivities of the rapporteurs on related topics (MessrsE. Jauregui, Mexico and E. Moralijski, Bulgaria — see alsoagenda item 4). It noted with appreciation the work ofthe vice-president of the Commission as chairman of theInternational Programme Committee for the TECTUC,held in Dhaka, Bangladesh in 1993. The Commissionalso expressed its appreciation to the former rapporteur(Mr S. Hassan, Bangladesh) who had been in charge ofthe local arrangements for TECTUC.8.1.3 The Commission noted the results from theinternational conferences focusing on urban climatology,i.e. TECTUC, Dhaka, Bangladesh, 28 March – 2 April 1993:report, recommendations, WCASP Report No. 30 (WMO/TD-No. 641)) and the International Conference on UrbanClimate (ICUC ’96) organized in Essen, Germany in June1996. It was agreed that these results would form thebasis for future actions in the area of Urban andBuilding/Climatology UBC as proposed by the Task Forceon TRUCE during their meeting in Geneva in October1996. In particular, the Commission endorsed theproposal to coordinate the next major internationalconference on urban climates (ICUC ’99) with the nextInternational Congress on Biometeorology, both plannedto be held in Sydney in 1999.8.1.4 In reviewing the activities in UBC since CCl-XI,the Commission noted with satisfaction that severaltechnical documents had been finalized and dissemi-nated. The booklet on Climate and Urban Development(WMO-No. 844), which was produced with the help ofthe CCl rapporteurs, was a major contribution fromWMO to the HABITAT II event. The two bibliographieson urban climate, especially in tropical/subtropical areas,covering the time up to 1995, by Mr E. Jauregui (WCASPReports Nos 25 and 36) were appreciated and consideredimportant contributions to the TRUCE-related activities.The Commission emphasized the importance of buildingdesign codes, especially in developing countries, and ofthe requirement for guidance on the acceptance of codesby the relevant authorities and planners.8.1.5 The Commission recognized that several otheractivities had contributed to focusing attention on urbanissues. In particular it was recalled that the theme for theWorld Meteorological Day in 1997 was Weather andWater in Cities. The material prepared for the celebrationof this event, including a short video film, had beensuccessfully used in many countries. The Commissionwas also pleased to note that its views had been repre-sented in a meeting of Experts on Atmospheric UrbanPollution and the Role of the National Meteorologicaland Hydrological Services (NMHSs). 8.1.6 The Commission was pleased to note that WMO,in several cases represented by CCl members or staff fromnational Meteorological Services, had participated in variousnational and international meetings related to UBC. It was

also noted that several Members now had significant activi-ties in the area of UBC. The Commission endorsed therevised “Plan of Action for the Tropical Urban ClimateExperiment (TRUCE)” (included as an Annex to this report),as proposed by the task group on TRUCE. It was suggestedthat the end of the last sentence of the first goal in paragraph3(b) be amended to read “... the consumption of energy(heating and cooling, etc.) and source and dispersion ofpollutants”. The Commission recommended that CCl takethe lead in organizing “Show Case Projects” proposed by thetask group with the focus on warning systems for heat wavesand other extreme weather events. Furthermore, theCommission recommended that the urban issue be includedas a priority area within the WCASP (see also agenda item 9).

8.2 HUMAN HEALTH (agenda item 8.2)8.2.1 The Commission noted with appreciation thereports and reference material provided by the tworapporteurs (Mr G. Jendritzky, Germany and MrL. Kalkstein, United States of America) who had beenactively participating in the work of the IPCC and withthe International Society of Biometeorology (ISB). Specialappreciation was expressed for the work they hadafforded to the preparation of the Monograph onClimate Change and Human Health (available throughthe World Health Organization (WHO)) and the bookleton Climate and Human Health (WMO No. 843).8.2.2 The Commission considered the recommenda-tions made by the Meeting of Experts on Climate andHuman Health, WCASP Report No. 42 (WMO/TD-No.822), held in Freiburg, Germany in January 1997 andagreed that these should form the basis for future activi-ties within the framework of CCl. It emphasized the needfor continued close inter-agency coordination in this andrelated areas, especially with organizations such as UNEPand WHO. 8.2.3 The Commission agreed that various aspects ofbioclimatology, especially as it related to human healthunder varying climatic conditions, needed to be furtheremphasized in the development of climate informationand prediction services. Special focus should be on condi-tions in the tropics, especially on the rapidly growingvery large urban areas in which a large sector of thepopulations are already directly affected by climate, itsvariation and change. The Commission considered that atask force may be established to give added priority andimpact in the area of climate, human health and theurban environment.8.2.4 The Commission noted with appreciation thatthe Rapporteur on Tourism and Recreation (with specialreference to human health), (Mr L.B. Lecha Estela, Cuba),had been instrumental in organizing the Meeting ofExperts on Climate, Tourism and Human Health, Topes deCollantes, Cuba, January 1995, WCASP Report No. 33(WMO/TD-No. 682). It was noted that the rapporteurhad been most active in cooperating with several otherCCl rapporteurs and that special working relations hadbeen established with the Rapporteurs on Climate andHuman Health and with the World Tourism Organization(WTO).

ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE TWELFTH SESSION OF THE COMMISSION FOR CLIMATOLOGY12

8.2.5 The Commission noted the wide circulation ofpublications and leaflets on climate and human health. TheCommission further noted the important nature of informa-tion in these publications, which were provided for outsideusers, and that careful wording and data use were required.8.2.6 The Commission noted further that a technicalpaper prepared by Mr Lecha on the effects of weather andclimate on tourism had been included in Meeting ofExperts on Climate and Human Health, WCASP Report No.42 (WMO/TD–No. 822). This paper reviewed in particularthe health aspects of tourism and in his report toCommission, the rapporteur elaborated on the possibili-ties of further development of climatotherapy in thetouristic industry, and the development of a healthwatch and warning system on a regional scale usingCLIPS products in the field of tourism and recreation.

8.3 ENERGY PRODUCTION AND CONSUMPTION (agendaitem 8.3)

8.3.1 The Commission noted with appreciation theactivities of the CCl Working Group on EnergyMeteorology and its rapporteurs, and the report by thechairman of the working group (Mr W. R. Kininmonth,Australia). The Commission reiterated that climate appli-cation and services were of particular importance inrelation to the climate change issue, especially the use offossil fuel, but also through excessive use of otherresources, such as biomass and water. The Commissionagreed that CCl activities should continue to emphasizeaspects related to energy and meteorology.8.3.2 The Commission expressed appreciation for thereport on “Estimation of the relationship between Gas Usageand Weather” by the Rapporteur on Energy-Meteorologyand Economics (Mr H. Warren, United States of America),and to the Rapporteur on Solar Energy (Ms S. Robles-Gil,Mexico) for her report on Climate Information for theApplication of Solar Energy, WCASP Report No. 41(WMO/TD-No. 816). The Commission was also pleased to note that theGuidelines on “Meteorological Aspects and Recommen-dations or Utilizing the Wind as an Energy Source in theTropics” were prepared by Mr Anders Daniels andMr T. Schroeder (United States of America). 8.3.3 The Commission noted the collaboration withother international organizations in the field of energy.In particular, it noted the participation of WMO in theDECADES project, dealing with comparative environ-mental impact assessments of various ways of producingelectric energy and projects related to energy efficiency.

8.4 AGRICULTURE (agenda item 8.4)8.4.1 The Commission noted with appreciation thereport by the Rapporteur on Agriculture and Food (MrH. Bhalme, India), entitled “Agriculture, food andclimate”, which is published in WCASP No. 42 and thereport by Mr J. L. Le Blanc, entitled “Climate Informationand Prediction Services for Fisheries”, which is publishedas WCASP No. 39. It was agreed that climate applicationand services aspects related directly to Food Production,which is dealt with by Agriculture MeteorologyProgramme (AGMP), should be considered by CCl withrespect to the further development of the CLIPS project.

8.5 WATER RESOURCES (agenda item 8.5)8.5.1 The Commission noted with appreciation thereports of the Rapporteur on Water Resources (withspecial reference to drought and desertification) and toserve as liaison with the Commission for Hydrology(CHy) (Mr K. Li, China) and the contribution to theCLIPS project prepared by the rapporteur and publishedas WCASP No. 37 in September 1996. It was agreed thatclimate application and services aspects related directlyto Water Management, which is dealt with by WCP-Water, should be considered by CCl with respect to thefurther development of the CLIPS project. TheCommission also stressed the need to pay special atten-tion to application and services related to droughtprediction, warning and preparedness plans, combatingdesertification and to the impact of climate change onwater resources.

9. PRIORITIES FOR THE FUTURE WORK OF THE

COMMISSION (agenda item 9)9.0.1 The Commission decided to formulate the CClpriorities for the implementation of the WCDMP andWCASP on the basis of deliberations under agenda items4 through 8. It was agreed that the Commission’s viewon capacity-building aspects, which should be givengeneral priority in both the WCDMP and the WCASP,would be recorded under agenda item 12. 9.0.2 The Commission noted that the overall objec-tives and work programme of CCl, its working groupsand rapporteurs for the coming intersessional period,should be guided as far as possible by the Fourth WMOLong-term Plan and considered that the following issues,listed under general policies of the Fourth WMO Long-term Plan, should receive particular attention:(a) Identification of probable future needs for long-term

meteorological, hydrological and related environ-mental records on a worldwide and regional basis;

(b) Promotion of awareness of the role of climate insustainable socio-economic development;

(c) Establishment of the timely delivery of expert opin-ion on global and regional geophysical andgeochemical issues; and

(d) Enhancement of contribution to monitoring,research and assessment related to the global envi-ronment.

9.0.3 The Commission considered the structure of itssubsidiary bodies with relation to the WCDMP andWCASP and decided to establish working groups and toappoint rapporteurs in order to carry out relevant activi-ties, especially the priority activities, agreed to during thesession. The terms of reference of working groups andrapporteurs were formulated to enable the Commissionto meet the present community needs and to support theimplementation of Agenda 21 as outlined in the WMOstrategy. Besides the Advisory Working Group (AWG) (seeitem 3), the Commission established working groups andrapporteurs (see agenda item 15).9.0.4 The Commission furthermore agreed that thefinalization of the third edition of the Guide toClimatological Practices (WMO-No. 100) should be given

GENERAL SUMMARY 13

priority and the Commission therefore instructed itsworking groups and rapporteurs to give due considera-tion to the necessary actions relative to this process.

9.1 THE ROLE OF THE COMMISSION IN THE DEVELOP-MENT OF GLOBAL CLIMATE OBSERVING SYSTEM

(GCOS) (agenda item 9.1)9.1.1 The Commission recalled that during theeleventh session it urged its president, as a matter ofpriority and together with the chairman of the JointScientific and Technical Committee (JSTC) for GCOS, toconsider details of coordination between GCOS andWCDMP. It noted with satisfaction that several actionshad been taken in response to this request. In particular,CCl rapporteurs had been actively participating in thepreparation of the GCOS programme plans, such as theGCOS Plan for Space-based Observations and the GCOSData and Information Management Plan, implementedthrough the WMO mechanisms where appropriate. TheCommission considered that present coordinationbetween the two programmes functioned satisfactorily.At the same time, the Commission wished to emphasizethat, since GCOS and the WCDMP were both working ongathering data required to support monitoring and fore-casting climate, it was vital for the two activities to bevery closely linked. The Commission therefore requestedits president and the Secretary-General to make their bestefforts to ensure that the coordination of GCOS andWCDMP be optimized as much as possible, noting theterms of reference of the Commission in this regard.9.1.2 The Commission noted that monitoring andpredicting climate at the national, regional and globallevels required in situ and remotely sensed environmen-tal data, and that the GCOS Surface Network (GSN) isaimed at global climate monitoring and therefore doesnot supplant regional and/or national observations. TheCommission further noted with appreciation the offersmade by Germany and Japan to serve as monitoringcentres for the network.9.1.3 The Commission noted that three globalobserving systems (Global Climate Observing System(GCOS), Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS), andGlobal Terrestrial Observing System (GTOS)), collectivelyreferred to as the G3OS, have been proposed as interna-tional mechanisms to secure required observations. Itwas considered important that close coordination ofthese activities continue. The Commission emphasizedthat because of its comprehensive nature, GCOSaddresses not only atmospheric, but also oceanic andterrestrial observations needed for understanding globalclimate. The Commission welcomed the invitation bythe Director of the GCOS Office, Mr T. Spence, to partic-ipate actively in the planning and implementation of theGCOS.9.1.4 The Commission noted that the GCOS Dataand Information Management Plan has been publishedwith a strategy that calls for distributed data centres withcommon standards and protocols where feasible. It wassuggested that future development of the INFOCLIMACatalogue of Climate System Datasets would take into

account the implementation of the GCOS Data andInformation Management Plan.

9.2 INTERACTION WITH INTERNATIONAL CLIMATE-RELATED ACTIVITIES WITHIN THE CLIMATE

AGENDA (agenda item 9.2)9.2.1 The Commission noted the report from thefirst session of the Inter-Agency Committee on theClimate Agenda (IACCA) and considered the actionsproposed for further development of inter-agency collab-oration as well as the priorities suggested. It emphasizedthe importance with which WCDMP and WCASP(including the CLIPS project) continue to strengthen thelinkages with other international programmes related toclimate data, monitoring and services. The Commissionagreed that its contribution in this regard could best beachieved by emphasizing the role of the liaison rappor-teurs, especially within the CCl working groups.9.2.2 The Commission noted with appreciation thevaluable work by its president in the context of develop-ment of the Climate Agenda process, especially aschairman of ACCAD and member of the CCWCP and itssuccessor, the IACCA. The Commission asked the presi-dent and the Advisory Working Group to make everyeffort to ensure the important role of CCl in the inter-agency activities as the WMO leading body on manyclimate-related issues, especially those concerningclimate data, applications, and services.

9.3 DEVELOPMENT OF THE RELEVANT PARTS OF THE

FIFTH WMO LONG-TERM PLAN (5LTP) (agendaitem 9.3)

9.3.1 The Commission noted that the TwelfthCongress had approved the Fourth WMO Long-term Plan(4LTP) as a comprehensive plan of WMO for the period1996-2005. It was especially noted that the role of WMOwill involve two major thrusts, namely: (a) Strengthening the core activities of NMHSs; and(b) Contributing to endogenous capacity building and

sustainable development. 9.3.2 In this context it was agreed that a major objec-tive concerning climate — “To ensure that WMO exertseffective international leadership in climate monitoring,research and applications, including global climateprediction, and provides an authoritative internationalscientific voice on matters related to climate and climatechange” — would remain valid for inclusion in the FifthWMO Long-term Plan. The Commission requested itspresident and the Advisory Working Group to take intofull account this objective in the preparation for the CClinput to the development for the Fifth WMO Long-termPlan.9.3.3 The Commission recalled that the WMOTwelfth Congress, while considering procedures forpreparation of the Fifth WMO Long-term Plan, madeimportant recommendations and noted in particular that“the planning process and the plan should encompassnot just the activities of the constituent bodies and theSecretariat, but should have, as their foundation, agreedtotal intentions of WMO and its Members”. Furthermore,

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it was pleased to note that Congress emphasized thatinterprogramme and intercommission coordination,particularly the role of technical commissions, in formu-lating objectives and priorities within scientific andtechnical programmes under their respective responsibil-ity, which were seen as essential for ensuring theintegrity of the planning process.9.3.4 The Commission noted with special interestthat the WMO Twelfth Congress had “recognized that abroad new thrust to which WMO should attach specialattention when elaborating the Fifth WMO Long-termPlan, was urban environment”. The Commission there-fore urged the president, working groups and rapporteursto consider this important new major thrust in theirdeliberations.9.3.5 The Commission discussed the specificdevelopments foreseen in the area of its responsibility andidentified the following issues which would meritparticular consideration when preparing for the Fifth WMOLong-term Plan, bearing in mind the need to supportsustainable development: (a) Continued emphasis on assistance to Members in

the development of national climate services;(b) Crucial need for preservation, maintenance and

expansion of climate observation networks neededto provide essential data for climate analyses andthe provision of climate services;

(c) Promotion of the development of advancednational climate database management systems and the activities on data rescue (DARE);

(d) Promotion of the international exchange and use ofglobal and regional climate datasets and climatesystem monitoring products, including those basedon satellite data;

(e) Climate System Monitoring (CSM) and climatechange detection, including the development ofindices and timely preparation of authoritativeannual statements and assessments related toclimate variability and change;

(f) Development of services based on interannual andseasonal climate prediction;

(g) Development of methodologies of climate applica-tions, guidance materials for the provision ofclimate services, including those contributing toformulating strategies for adaptation to climate vari-ability and change;

(h) Development of climate services concerning urbandevelopment, especially bearing in mind the rela-tionship between the urban climate/environmentand regional to global scale climatological effects,and support to the implementation of the TropicalUrban Climate Experiment (TRUCE);

(i) Development of climate services in support ofhuman health;

(j) Continued assessment of social and economic benefitsof climate services and development of the interfacebetween producers and users of these services; and

(k) Continued development of other sectorially-relatedclimate services, including those for water resourcesmanagement, food production, energy conservation

and renewable energy sources, land use planning,tourism and recreation, and combatting droughtand desertification.

9.4 COMMISSION SUPPORT FOR WMO’S AND OTHER

INTERNATIONAL CLIMATE-RELATED PROGRAMMES

(agenda item 9.4)9.4.1 Under this agenda item, the Commissionwished, in addition to its views recorded under agendaitem 9.2, to emphasize its important role in and contri-bution to a number of major international activities,including the work of the IPCC on climate change assess-ments, the process of the implementation of theUN/FCCC, and the activities of the UN Commission onsustainable development concerning promotion andimplementation of Agenda 21. The Commission furthernoted that the implementation of the United NationsConvention to Combat Desertification also wouldrequire special attention of CCl. The Commission agreedthat in future the involvement of CCl in these activitieswill require an even more proactive approach by theCommission’s bodies.9.4.2 The Commission asked its president and theAdvisory Working Group to consider, in consultationwith other technical commissions, specific actions to betaken to ensure enhanced support by the Commission tointernational climate-related activities.

9.5 TERMS OF REFERENCE OF THE COMMISSION

(agenda item 9.5)9.5.1 The Commission reviewed its Terms of Reference,as approved by Twelfth Congress, in the light of the estab-lished WMO general policies. The Commission noted thatthe rapid development of climate-related issues and relevantinternational activities would require appropriate adjust-ments to its Terms of Reference. It was considered that thevast area of support provided by the Commission to variousclimate-related activities within and outside WMO, espe-cially contribution to the work of IPCC, implementationprocess of the UN/FCCC, WCRP, WCIRP and GCOS, shouldbe adequately acknowledged in the Terms of Reference. TheCommission recommended that the support provided bythe Commission be pointed out to other WMO technicalcommissions and relevant WMO bodies.9.5.2 The Commission requested the president andthe Advisory Working Group to review expeditiouslyvarious proposals on the adjustments to the terms ofreference so that the conclusions by this review could beincluded in the president’s reports to the fiftieth sessionof the Executive Council.

10. GUIDE TO CLIMATOLOGICAL PRACTICES

(WMO-NO. 100) AND TECHNICAL REGULATIONS

(WMO-NO. 49) (agenda item 10)10.1 The Commission recalled that at its last session itconsidered the recommendations of the Meeting of Expertson the Guide to Climatological Practices (Geneva, 25-27November 1991) concerning the preparation of a thirdedition of the Guide. After reviewing the related comments,the Commission had decided that a third edition of the

GENERAL SUMMARY 15

Guide should be prepared along the lines proposed by themeeting of experts referred to above.10.2 The Commission agreed that the new Guideshould provide information about climate practices andprocedures important in the development and imple-mentation of all climate services. It should includeinformation on: organization and functions of a nationalclimate service; observations and data processing; meth-ods and techniques of climate applications; andpublication and presentation, marketing and delivery ofclimate data and information. It should also coverspecialized topics, such as sectorial applications related tofood production, water resources management, energy(with special attention to renewable energy), and issuesassociated with economics, upper-air, meso- and micro-climatology, etc.10.3 The Commission also agreed that the newGuide should be divided into two parts. The titles of thechapters of the first part would be as follows:Part I: Basic principles and practices

Chapter 1: Introduction Chapter 2: Climate observations, stations and

networksChapter 3: Climate data and managementChapter 4: Climate services and informationChapter 5: Supporting activities in climate

applications10.4 The Commission noted with appreciation thecontribution of its president, vice-president and severalrapporteurs in editing and rewriting sections of the Guide,especially of Part I. The Commission noted that since 1985,when the last edition of the Guide was issued, there had beenan increase in the demand for accurate information onpresent and past climate, in order to provide input to projec-tions of climate change and its potential impacts. As aconsequence there had been substantial re-examinations ofthe requirements for climatological information in supportof climate studies and predictions. 10.5 The Commission agreed that as the first part ofthe Guide was almost ready for publication, except forsome minor editorial changes, it was important toarrange for its early publication. The Commission recom-mended that publication should be preceded by a finalpeer review by a small number of experts, including CClrapporteurs, as appropriate.10.6 It was suggested that the second part neededsome re-organizing and updating. The Commissionnoted that proposals were being received as to whichtopics should be dropped from the current version andwhich ones should be added to the next one, includingexamples of standard methods in operational climatol-ogy, such as computation of return periods of extremeevents and climatic indices pertaining to human healthand comfort. The Commission agreed that the content ofPart II of the Guide should include a selected list ofmethodologies and techniques with substantial informa-tion about “Network design; quality control; climatestatistics; data handling, including CLICOM and climatemonitoring, as well as climate products, such as maps,summaries and climate predictions”. Furthermore,

Annexes should be included containing terminology anddefinitions; extracts from relevant WMO regulations,including climate codes; lists of relevant publications andinformation systems, as well as examples of sectorspecific applications, structures of national climateprogrammes, description of historical data, etc.10.7 The Commission suggested that contributionsfrom Members, especially relevant CCl rapporteurs,should be requested urgently, so that the second part ofthe Guide could be finalized and prepared as early aspossible. It was considered important to investigate addi-tional ways to disseminate guidance material, includingthe use of the Internet. In this context, the Commissionstressed that the revised Guide will immensely helpfurther capacity building within Member countries ofWMO, in the area of climate information and services.

11. PARTICIPATION OF WOMEN IN THE WORK OF

THE COMMISSION (agenda item 11)11.1 The Commission recognized that the issuesrelating to gender equality in various socio-economicsectors had received increased attention in recent years. Itnoted the recommendation made by the United NationsConference on Women, held in Beijing, China, in 1995,and that Chapter 24 of Agenda 21 focuses on “Globalaction for women towards sustainable and equitabledevelopment”. Furthermore, the Commission wasinformed that China had organized a special Workshopon Women in Meteorology in 1996 and that WMO willorganize a global seminar on Women and Meteorology inBangkok, Thailand in December 1997.11.2 The Commission re-emphasized the request toMembers by the Executive Council to encourage theadvancement of women in meteorology and operationalhydrology. Resolution 18 (CCl-XII) was adopted.

12. CAPACITY BUILDING (agenda item 12)12.1 The Commission noted with appreciation thereports by the Rapporteurs on Capacity Building. It wasagreed that one of the many ways in which capacitybuilding was defined was the strengthening of Members’,capabilities to enable them to meet the needs of theirrespective communities, in particular in developingcountries. The Commission expressed the belief thatcapacity building should aim mainly at improvedunderstanding and facilitating the application ofmeteorology and climatology in order to increase efficiencyin food production, water resources management, energyproduction, urban planning and management andindustrial operations. It should also provide for the safetyand well-being of populations through appropriate servicesin the areas related to human health, tourism andrecreation.12.2 The Commission noted that the rapporteurs hadbeen involved in several activities at the WMO Regional level.It noted the changing emphasis in capacity-building activitiesamongst Members. Earlier focus was limited to the traditionalclimatological issues, while the current tendency is to focusalso on the critical socio-economic issues, including thosedirectly related to air pollution, greenhouse gases and climatechange, and variability and its consequences, such as sea level

ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE TWELFTH SESSION OF THE COMMISSION FOR CLIMATOLOGY16

rise and the problems related to drought and desertification.The Commission emphasized the need for efforts at enhanc-ing Members’ awareness and knowledge about climatechange and variability, and of ways and means to reduce theemissions of greenhouse gases and other air pollutants.12.3 The Commission agreed that there was need forcontinued awareness building and guidance within theNMHSs and amongst the users through preparation ofspecial guides on specific sectorial applications, such asurban climatological methodologies. This could bepursued in close cooperation with other internationalorganizations, such as the Food and AgriculturalOrganization of the United Nations (FAO), UNHCS,UNEP, UNESCO and WHO within the framework of theClimate Agenda initiative. It was suggested that increasingpublic consciousness by earmarking days for specificissues, such as the Ozone Day (16 September) is alsoconsidered to be helpful in capacity building.12.4 The Commission noted with appreciation thatat the international level, the vice-president of CClcontributed to and participated in several events andactivities related to the Global Climate Observing System(GCOS), meetings with Commission for Instruments andMethods of Observation (CIMO) expert groups onautomation and measurements of climatological parame-ters, the IPCC and as chairman of the InternationalProgramme Committee for TECTUC. The Commissionshared the view expressed by him at the CIMO expertgroup meeting where he stressed the need for Membersto be aware of all aspects of automation. Automation ofmeasurements of climate parameters should not precludeprecision and the homogeneity of data. Capacity-build-ing activities should include this specific field.12.5 The Commission examined the suggestions ofthe rapporteurs and agreed that capacity building couldbe enhanced through the following actions:(a) Training seminars should be continued with increas-

ing focus on specific issues such as use anddissemination of CLIPS-related products, use ofmodern technology in data management, particu-larly through the CLICOM area support activities,and in specific fields of application consideringregional and national priorities and needs;

(b) Preparation and dissemination of training andcapacity-building material by the use of techniquessuch as video cassettes, diskettes, CD-ROMs,brochures and electronic mail, including theInternet;

(c) Systematic monitoring and follow-up of progress byMembers after provision of training and relatedcapacity building in order to assure desired impactand success;

(d) Continued encouragement and guidance in estab-lishment of functional National ClimateProgrammes (NCPs); and

(e) Enhanced use, including acquiring and maintain-ing, of Internet services together with traditionalmeans of information exchange to be consideredwithin the WMO Education and Training (ETR)Programme.

12.6 The Commission agreed that there is a need toenhance the capacities amongst the NMHSs to contributeto awareness building and to the provision of properguidance and advice to the relevant authorities on issuesrelated to climate variability and change and theirimpacts. It noted that the rapporteurs suggested thatspecial efforts were called for regarding the capacities toassess the potential impact in sectors such as humanhealth and tourism. The Commission noted that aware-ness building and liaison with national authorities wasoften a management function, and considered that theseactivities should be an important element in the docu-ment Guidelines on Management of National Meteorologicaland Hydrological Services (NMHSs) prepared by WMO.12.7 The Commission recognized the importance ofadequate climate databases to ensure that capacity-build-ing activity is based on comprehensive and reliableinformation, especially in order to develop capabilities toadvise decision makers on the state and trends of climate.12.8 The Commission considered that fast develop-ment of climate data management techniques andmethodologies for climate services, together with theincreased demand for training in these areas, shouldrequire expeditious updating of WMO training materials,including Guidelines for the Education and Training ofPersonnel in Meteorology and Operational Hydrology (WMO-No. 258). The Commission also considered that parts ofthe Guide to Climatological Practices related to capacitybuilding should be further reviewed with the view toproviding the best possible response to Members’ needs.12.9 The Commission noted that the AssistantSecretary-General served as a focal point on capacity-building issues within WMO.12.10 The Commission decided to appoint rappor-teurs on capacity building (see agenda item 9).

13. ANY OTHER MATTERS (agenda item 13)13.1 During the session, a number of participantsprovided information on forthcoming CCl-related inter-national and national events in their respectivecountries, including the “International Workshop onMonitoring, Prediction and Services for Climate Change”to be held in Kobe, Japan (7–8 December 1997), and theinternational specialized exhibition and symposiumHydrometeorology for Humanity, to be held in St.Petersburg, Russia (11–15 December 1997).13.2 The session endorsed the proposal by the pres-ident of the Commission to present certificates foroutstanding long-period services to CCl to MessrsE. Jauregui and T. Oke. The certificates will be presentedto the recipients at a suitable time and place.

14. SCIENTIFIC LECTURES AND DISCUSSIONS

(agenda item 14)14.1 Part of the session was devoted to scientificlectures and discussions under the chairmanship of the pres-ident of the Commission. The lectures were as follows:(a) National climate services — from data collectors to

environmental consultants (H. Landsberg MemorialLecture)(B. Aune, Norway);

GENERAL SUMMARY 17

(b) The importance of biometeorological informationfor people living in urban areas (T. Cegnar, Slovenia);

(c) The CLIPS Project: A new step in the provision ofclimate services(F.H.M. Semazzi, WCP/WMO);

(d) Integration of agricultural management systemswith seasonal climate forecast information in North-East Australia(R. C. Stone, Australia).

14.2 The Commission thanked the lecturers for theirinteresting presentations, which had also been reflectedin the discussions of the corresponding technical-scien-tific items on the agenda.14.3 The commission suggested that one theme to beconsidered as a scientific lecture at CCl-XIII should be “Useof Geographical Information Systems in Climatology”.

15. NOMINATION OF MEMBERS OF WORKING

GROUPS AND RAPPORTEURS (agenda item 15)To carry out its programme during the inter-

sessional period the Commission established working groupsand appointed rapporteurs as listed below:Advisory Working Group of CCI, Working Group onClimate Data, including:(a) Rapporteur on Global and Regional Climatological

Datasets and Station Networks, including aspectsrelated to INFOCLIMA and to serve as liaison with theCCI Working Group on Climate Change Detection;

(b) Rapporteur on the Evolution of Climate DatabaseManagement, including CLICOM Systems and toserve as liaison with the CBS Working Group onData Management;

(c) Rapporteur on Climate Data Rescue, Preservationand Digitization;

(d) Rapporteur on Climate Data Management, includ-ing CLICOM and Climate Observing StationNetworks in Developing Countries;

(e) Rapporteur on Climate System Monitoring;(f) Rapporteur on Automatic Observing Station Systems

and on Processing and Quality Control of Data fromsuch stations in liaison with CIMO;

(g) Rapporteur on the Use and Quality of RemotelySensed Observations (satellite, radar, etc.) forClimate Purposes;

(h) Rapporteur on Data Homogeneity, StatisticalProperties of Data, Dataset Registration andMetadata and to serve as liaison with theGCOS/GOOS/GTOS Joint Data, Information andManagement Panel (JDIMP); and

(i) An expert to be designated by CBS.Working Group on Climate Change Detection, including:(a) Rapporteur on the Surface and Upper Air Networks

and Datasets from Climate Observation Systemssuch as GCOS, GTOS and GCOS;

(b) Rapporteur on the Application of Reanalyses andother Global Gridded Datasets for Climate ChangeDetection;

(c) Rapporteur on Capacity Building in Climate ChangeDetection; and

(d) Rapporteur on Climate Change Detection Indices.Working Group on Climate Information andPrediction Services (CLIPS), including:

(a) Rapporteur on Climate Services to the Food ProductionSector and to serve as liaison with CAgM;

(b) Rapporteur on Climate Services to the Water ResourcesSector (with special reference to drought and desertifi-cation) and to serve as liaison with CHy;

(c) Rapporteur on Climate Services to the UrbanPlanning and Building Sector;

(d) Rapporteur on Climate Services to the Health Sector,including aspects of services to the Tourism andRecreation Sector;

(e) Rapporteur on Climate Services to the Energy Sector;(f) Rapporteur on Methods of Climate Prediction,

including Model Output (with special reference tocriteria for evaluating skill); and

(g) Rapporteur on the WMO CLIPS Project.Rapporteurs not directly connected with CCI workinggroups:(a) Rapporteurs on the International Exchange of

Climate Data and Products; (b) Rapporteurs on Urban and Building Climatology;(c) Rapporteurs on Climate and Human Health;(d) Rapporteurs on Energy-Meteorology, including Solar

and Wind Energy;(e) Rapporteur on Tourism and Recreation;(f) Rapporteurs on Capacity Building;(g) Rapporteurs on Interaction with Users, and Public

Awareness;(h) Rapporteurs on GTS and Internet Utilization;(i) Rapporteurs on CLICOM and its Future Development;(j) Rapporteurs on Statistical Methods;(k) Rapporteurs on Climatological Aspects of Water

Resources Management in Dry Climates; and(l) Rapporteurs on Climate Change Detection Method-

ologies and Indices.

16. REVIEW OF PREVIOUS RESOLUTIONS AND

RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE COMMISSION AND

OF RELEVANT EXECUTIVE COUNCIL RESOLU-TIONS (agenda item 16)

16.1 The Commission examined the resolutions andrecommendations adopted at its previous sessions thatwere still in force at the time of the twelfth session. Italso examined those Executive Council resolutions basedon previous recommendations of the Commission thatwere still in force. Resolution 19 (CCl-XII) andRecommendation 1 (CCl-XII) were adopted.

17. ELECTION OF OFFICERS (agenda item 17)17.1 Mr Y. Boodhoo (Mauritius) was unanimouslyelected president of the Commission for Climatology.17.2 Mr J. M. Nicholls (United Kingdom) was electedvice-president of the Commission for Climatology.

18. DATE AND PLACE OF THE THIRTEENTH SESSION

(agenda item 18)18.1 The Commission noted with appreciation theinformation given by the delegate from Australia, on

ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE TWELFTH SESSION OF THE COMMISSION FOR CLIMATOLOGY18

behalf of her country, that Australia will consider extend-ing an official invitation to WMO to host the thirteenthsession of CCl, to be held in the year 2001. TheCommission also noted that the date and place of itsthirteenth session would be determined in accordancewith WMO General Regulation 186.

19. CLOSURE OF THE SESSION (agenda item 19)19.1 In his closing address, the president of theCommission thanked all those who had contributed tothe successful completion of the work of the session, inparticular the vice-president, the co-chairmen of theworking committees, the chairman of the NominationCommittee and the chairman of the Committee for theSelection of Working Group Members and Rapporteurs,

delegates, as well as the staff of the WMO Secretariat,including the interpreters, translators and those produc-ing the documents behind the scenes. He congratulatedthe newly-elected president and vice-president, andwished them and all the elected working group membersand rapporteurs a successful and fruitful intersessionalperiod as they attack all the challenging issues facing theCommission at the turn of the century. 19.2 Many speakers expressed satisfaction at theresults of the session achieved under the dynamic leader-ship of the president of the Commission. The presidentand the vice-president were congratulated on their election.19.3 The twelfth session of the Commission forClimatology closed at 12.25 p.m. on 14 August 1997.

GENERAL SUMMARY 19

RESOLUTIONS ADOPTED BY THE SESSION

RESOLUTION 1 (CCl-XII)

ADVISORY WORKING GROUP OF THE COMMISSION FOR CLIMATOLOGY

THE COMMISSION FOR CLIMATOLOGY,NOTING the report of the president of the Commission toCCl-XII,CONSIDERING that there is need for continued guidance inthe organization of the Commission’s activities in helpingto meet the objectives of the World Climate Programme,DECIDES:(1) To establish an Advisory Working Group of CCl

with the following terms of reference:(a) To coordinate the activities of the Commission,

including the work of the working groups andrapporteurs, in the implementation and furtherplanning of the World Climate Programme, andin particular the WCASP and WCDMP;

(b) To assist the president of the Commission inproviding advice or taking action on urgentmatters referred to the Commission whichcannot be dealt with by the technical workinggroups or rapporteurs;

(c) To advise on and to plan the future programmeof the Commission; and

(d) To advise the president on changes that may berequired in the terms of reference of theCommission;

(2) To invite the following experts to serve on the work-ing group:Mr Y. Boodhoo (Mauritius) president of CCl (chair-man);

Mr J. M. Nicholls (United Kingdom) vice-president ofCCl; Mr K. Davidson (United States of America);Mr Y. Ding (China);Mr M. Kadi (Algeria);Mr H. Kondo (Japan);Ms J. Masterton (Canada);Mr J. Maunder (New Zealand — until December1998)Ms E. Nieplova (Slovakia);Mr S. Njoroge (Kenya);Mr V. Trenin (Russian Federation) — Rapporteur onInteraction with Users and Public Awareness withemphasis on socio-economic benefits;(A member from RA III to be nominated later)*Mr V. Vent-Schmidt (Germany); andMs M. Voice (Australia).

(3) To request the president to organize the work of theworking group, considering that appropriate attentionbe given to issues such as capacity building, economicand social aspects of climate services, and liaison withregional associations, which may not be covered byspecific terms of reference in other resolutions;

REQUESTS the chairman to report to the Commission on the activities of the Advisory Working Group asappropriate.

THE COMMISSION FOR CLIMATOLOGY,NOTING various reports on the socio-economic benefits ofthe utilization of climate data and products, includingreports of CCl members and rapporteurs,CONSIDERING that there is a need to further develop stud-ies on evaluation of socio-economic benefits of climateservices,CONSIDERING further that evaluation of socio-economicbenefits which can be obtained through the activities of

National Meteorological and Hydrological Services(NMHSs) can serve as an important factor in govern-ments’ consideration of funding and development ofNMHSs,REQUESTS the president of CCl and the WMO Secretariat toconsider actions to ensure efficient and effective exchange ofinformation on socio-economic benefits among relevantexperts of WMO technical commissions, and timely distri-bution of this information to WMO Members.

RESOLUTION 2 (CCl-XII)

SOCIO-ECONOMIC BENEFITS OF CLIMATE SERVICES

NOTE: Mr L. C. B. Molion (Brazil) has been nominated.

THE COMMISSION FOR CLIMATOLOGY,NOTING:(1) The Fourth WMO Long-term Plan (WMO-No. 831),

Part I and Part II, Volume 2 — The World ClimateProgramme 1996–2005,

(2) The report to CCl-XII of the chairman of theWorking Group on Climate Data,

CONSIDERING the need for CCl, as the technical commis-sion having the lead role in the World Climate Data andMonitoring Programme, to have an effective mechanismto guide the implementation and the further develop-ment of the Programme,DECIDES:(1) To re-establish the Working Group on Climate Data

with the following terms of reference:(a) To advise on the requirements for the prepara-

tion and maintenance of global and regionalclimatological data sets, including those basedon data and metadata from the GCOSNetworks and the ongoing World WeatherRecord publications, in collaboration with theWorking Group on Climate Change Detection;

(b) To continue providing guidance on require-ments for data set registration and theincorporation of additional data categories,including metadata, catalogues and inventoriesinto INFOCLIMA and, in collaboration withGCOS, advise on the future development ofINFOCLIMA data set registration and nationalclimate data catalogues;

(c) To provide, in collaboration with the CClWorking Group on Climate Information andPrediction Services (CLIPS) for guidance for theClimate System Monitoring project, includingdata needs for developing climate predictionservices;

(d) To keep abreast of the development of the GlobalClimate Observing System (GCOS) and the trans-mission of climate information and to liaise asappropriate with individuals and bodies involvedin the GCOS planning process and the CBS bodiesrelated to the transmission of climate informationover the GTS and the Internet;

(e) To participate, together with other relevantCCl rapporteurs and relevant CBS workinggroups, in the preparation and updating ofguidelines on data and metadata managementtechniques, to assist developing countries toupgrade data-management procedures, and toreview the implementation of those guidelines;

(f) To cooperate with GCOS, CBS and the CClWorking Group on Climate Change Detection onthe implementation and maintenance of theGCOS Surface and Upper-Air Networks andpromote the establishment of national ReferenceClimatological Station (RCS) networks;

(g) To provide, in cooperation with GCOS, CBS andthe CCl Working Group on Climate ChangeDetection, guidance on the management of datafrom remotely-sensed observations, especiallysatellite data;

(h) To review existing and recommend new criteriafor the quality control of data for research andapplications, including data from satellites, auto-matic stations and other remote-sensingplatforms, bearing in mind changes in the envi-ronment and instrumentation of the stations;

(i) To review data-processing and quality-controlprocedures involved in the conversion ofmanually operated stations to automaticallyoperated stations and to provide the guidanceneeded to preserve continuity and homogene-ity of data records;

(j) To oversee procedures for the determination ofstandards and other normals;

(k) To review and advise on the coordination andimplementation of the CLICOM project,including the evolution of climate databasemanagement systems more advanced than theCLICOM 3.0/3.1 systems;

(l) To coordinate activities on climate datamanagement with the chairmen of theRegional Associations working groups relatedto climate data management;

(m) To review requirements and data-managementprocedures to keep pace with the technologicaladvances foreseen in the WMO 4LTP;

(n) To promote and advise on the rescue, preserva-tion and digitization of useful climate datafrom NMHS archives, national archives andother sources;

(o) In collaboration with the Working Group onClimate Change Detection, to review Chapter B.1— Climatology — of Volume I of the TechnicalRegulations as well as other relevant parts of theTechnical Regulations (including its annexes),and to propose amendments as necessary;

(p) To provide liaison between the CCl data activ-ities and those of the other WMO bodies,especially the Commission for Basic Systems(CBS) and the Commission for Instrumentsand Methods of Observations (CIMO); and

(q) To contribute to the study of the homogeneityand the statistical properties of the long-termdata series of climate-related parameters and toadvise on procedures for ensuring the homo-geneity of climate data;

(2) To select the following experts to serve on the work-ing group:Mr M. Crowe (United States of America) — Rapporteuron Global and Regional Climatological Data Sets andStation Networks including aspects related to INFO-

RESOLUTION 3 21

RESOLUTION 3 (CCl-XII)

WORKING GROUP ON CLIMATE DATA

CLIMA and to serve as liaison with the CCl WorkingGroup on Climate Change Detection;Mr F. Benichou (France) — Rapporteur on theEvolution of Climate Database Management, includ-ing CLICOM Systems and to serve as liaison withthe CBS Working Group on Data Management;Mr R. Senna (Brazil) — Rapporteur on Climate DataRescue, Preservation and Digitization;Mr P. Ambenje (Kenya) — Rapporteur on ClimateData Management, including CLICOM and ClimateObserving Station Networks in DevelopingCountries;Mr R. Basher (New Zealand) — Rapporteur onClimate System Monitoring;Mr E. Rudel (Austria) — Rapporteur on AutomaticObserving Station Systems and on Processing andQuality Control of Data from such stations in liai-son with CIMO;Mr Y. Tahara (Japan) — Rapporteur on the Use andQuality of Remotely Sensed Observations (Satellite,Radar, etc.) for Climate Purposes;

Mr G. Müller-Westermeier (Germany) — Rapporteuron Data Homogeneity, Statistical Properties of Data,Data Set Registration and Metadata and to serve asliaison with the GCOS/GOOS/GTOS Joint Data,Information and Management Panel (JDIMP);An expert to be designated by CBS;To select, in accordance with General Regulation 32,Mr R. Basher (New Zealand) as chairman of theworking group;

REQUESTS:(1) The rapporteurs to submit to the president of the

Commission, through the chairman of the workinggroup, annual progress reports and a final report notlater than 10 months before the thirteenth sessionof the Commission;

(2) The chairman to ensure overall coordination withinthe working group and submit to the president ofthe Commission annual progress reports, a finalreport and a one- or two-page abstract not later thansix months before the thirteenth session of theCommission.

ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE TWELFTH SESSION OF THE COMMISSION FOR CLIMATOLOGY22

RESOLUTION 4 (CCl-XII)

JOINT WORKING GROUP ON CLIMATE CHANGE DETECTION

THE COMMISSION FOR CLIMATOLOGY,NOTING:(1) The Fourth WMO Long-term Plan, Part II, Volume 2

— The World Climate Programme 1996–2005,(2) The role of the WCRP Climate Variability and

Predictability (CLIVAR) Study and its Modelling andDetection of Anthropogenic Climate Change(CLIVAR-ACC) component,

(3) The role of IPCC,(4) The objectives and plans of GCOS,(5) Resolution 5 (EC-XLIII) — Climate Change

Detection — and the action taken by the presidentof CCl in accordance with this resolution,

(6) Paragraph 3.2.4.12 of the general summary,(7) The report to CCl-XII of the chairman of the

Working Group on Climate Change Detection,CONSIDERING that, because of major interest and concernregarding the variability of climate and the early detec-tion of climate change, there will be a long-standingrequirement for an ongoing evaluation of climate onglobal and regional scales,DECIDES:(1) To establish a joint Working Group on Climate

Change Detection between CCl and the CLIVARproject with the following terms of reference:(a) To serve as an advisory body to the WMO

Commission for Climatology with theScientific Steering Group of CLIVAR and GCOSon activities related to the detection of climatechange;

(b) To collaborate with the JSC/CLIVAR WorkingGroup on Coupled Modelling on activitiesrelated to the detection and attribution ofclimate change, including incorporating theeffects of forcing from greenhouse gases andsulphate aerosols;

(c) To collaborate with the working groups onmeteorological and climatological data of theWMO Commissions, the Global ClimateObserving System (GCOS), the World ClimateResearch Programme (WCRP) and other insti-tutions and programmes on the developmentand maintenance of appropriate data sets,including metadata for climate change detec-tion;

(d) To oversee the preparation of authoritativereports on the state of the worldwide climate,paying particular attention to the regular assess-ment process conducted by the Intergovern-mental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC);

(e) To promote the development of and makerecommendations on the use of indices andindicators for climate change detection onregional and global scales;

(f) To assess, in collaboration with GCOS andother groups, the capabilities of surface andupper air networks and other climate monitor-ing systems to provide adequate data forstudies on climate change detection and, asrequired, develop proposals for new networks;

(g) To provide guidance on the utilization and valid-ity of gridded, historical, climate forcing andproxy data sets for climate change detection;

(h) To contribute to the capacity-building processin the area of climate change detection;

(2) To select the following experts to serve on the work-ing group:Mr A. Sun (China) — Rapporteur on the Surface and Upper Air Networks and Data Sets from ClimateObservation Systems such as GCOS, GTOS and GOOS;Mr C. Ropelewski (United States of America) —Rapporteur on the Application of Reanalyses andother Global Gridded Datasets for Climate ChangeDetection;Ms S. Dolgikh (Kazakhstan) — Rapporteur onCapacity Building in Climate Change Detection;Mr C. Folland (United Kingdom) — Rapporteur onClimate Change Detection Indices;

(3) To request the CLIVAR Scientific Steering Group tonominate four experts to serve on the workinggroup to cover the following four topics:

(1) Climate forcing data and liaison with the IPCC;(2) The use of glacier and other proxy data for

climate change detection;(3) Climate change detection strategies and tech-

niques;(4) Aerosol forcing;

(4) To select, in accordance with Regulation 32 of theGeneral Regulations, Mr C. Ropelewski (United Statesof America) as chairman of the working group;

REQUESTS:(1) The rapporteurs to submit to the president of the

Commission, through the chairman of the workinggroup, annual progress reports and a final report notlater than 10 months before the thirteenth sessionof the Commission;

(2) The chairman to submit to the president of theCommission annual progress reports (for submis-sion to the annual sessions of the ExecutiveCouncil), a final report and a one- or two-pageabstract not later than six months before the thir-teenth session of the Commission.

RESOLUTION 5 23

RESOLUTION 5 (CCl-XII)

WORKING GROUP ON CLIMATE INFORMATION AND PREDICTION SERVICES (CLIPS)

THE COMMISSION FOR CLIMATOLOGY,NOTING:(1) The Fourth WMO Long-term Plan, Part II, Volume 2

— The World Climate Programme 1996-2005,(2) Resolution 9 (Cg-XII) — Climate Information and

Prediction Services (CLIPS),(3) General summary paragraphs 4.1.16 - 4.1.19 (Forty-

eigth session of the Executive Council);(4) The report to CCl-XII of the chairman of the

Working Group on the Operational Use ofClimatological Knowledge,

CONSIDERING:(1) The need for enhanced climate information, includ-

ing predictions, in support of socio-economicdevelopment,

(2) The changing roles of NMHSs in the provision ofsector-specific information,

(3) The increasing availability of broad scale climateproducts on media such as the Internet,

DECIDES:(1) To establish a Working Group on Climate

Information and Prediction Services (CLIPS) withthe following terms of reference:(a) Review and keep abreast of developments of

national climate services;(b) Provide scientific and technical guidance on

the optimal use of climate services, in particu-lar with respect to the implementation of theWMO CLIPS project, including:(i) Application of methods of climate analy-

sis and climate prediction;

(ii) Results of demonstration/pilot projects;(iii) Methods of communication of climate

information using means such as the GTSand Internet;

(c) Review and recommend ways to optimize the appli-cability of climate products, with emphasis on:(i) User involvement in design, develop-

ment, modification, and implementationof CLIPS products and services;

(ii) Cost/benefits of CLIPS and of CLIPS-related demonstration/pilot projects;

(iii) Climate prediction products’ impacts onactual decision-making, and on theenhancement of these impacts;

(iv) Preparation of information packages toincrease awareness of need for and meth-ods involved in climate information andprediction services through the variouseducational levels;

(d) To review the quality of products, especiallyseasonal forecasts, provided within the CLIPSsystem, including services to users, and recom-mend how information on quality should bepresented to users;

(2) To select the following experts to serve on the work-ing group:Mr O. Ghalem (Algeria) — Rapporteur on ClimateServices to the Food Production Sector and to serveas liaison with CAgM;Mr K. Li (China) — Rapporteur on Climate Services tothe Water Resources Sector (with special reference to

drought and desertification) and to serve as liaisonwith CHy;Mr K. Gallo (United States of America) —Rapporteur on Climate Services to the UrbanPlanning and Building Sector;Mr V. Razuvaev (Russian Federation) — Rapporteur onClimate Services to the Health Sector, including aspectsof services to the Tourism and Recreation Sector;Ms S. Robles-Gil (Mexico) — Rapporteur on ClimateServices to the Energy Sector;Mr K. Tada (Japan) — Rapporteur on Methods ofClimate Prediction including models output (withspecial reference to criteria for evaluating skill);Mr O. Moch (France) — Rapporteur on the WMOCLIPS Project;

(3) To select, in accordance with Regulation 32 of theGeneral Regulations, Mr O. Moch (France) as chair-man of the working group;

REQUESTS:(1) The rapporteurs to submit to the president of the

Commission, through the chairman of the workinggroup, annual progress reports and a final report notlater than ten months before the thirteenth sessionof the Commission;

(2) The chairman to submit to the president of theCommission annual progress reports (for submissionto the annual sessions of the Executive Council), afinal report and a one- or two-page abstract not laterthan six months before the thirteenth session of theCommission.

ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE TWELFTH SESSION OF THE COMMISSION FOR CLIMATOLOGY24

RESOLUTION 6 (CCl-XII)

RAPPORTEURS ON THE INTERNATIONAL EXCHANGE OF CLIMATE DATA AND PRODUCTS

THE COMMISSION FOR CLIMATOLOGY,

NOTING:(1) The Fourth WMO Long-term Plan, Part II, Volume 2

— The World Climate Programme 1996–2005,(2) Resolution 40 (Twelfth Congress),CONSIDERING:(1) The increasing requirement for global exchange of

all types of climate data and related products forthe enhancement and improvement of climateservices, as well as for climate research andmonitoring,

(2) The need to clarify those aspects of WMO Policy inResolution 40 pertaining to climate data and prod-ucts, taking into consideration the development ofGCOS and the requirements for climate data andproducts for IPCC assessments and negotiations onthe implementation of the UN FrameworkConvention on Climate Change,

(3) The growing use of the Internet in facilitating theexchange of climate data and products and its impor-tance in the implementation of the CLIPS project,

(4) That the future development of the GTS willprovide opportunities for enhanced exchange ofclimate data and products,

DECIDES:(1) To appoint Rapporteurs on the International

Exchange of Climate Data and Products with thefollowing terms of reference:

(a) To keep abreast of the development of theInternet and the GTS;

(b) To advise the president of CCl on technicaland policy matters pertaining to the interna-tional exchange of climate data and products;

(c) To liaise, as appropriate, with relevant rappor-teurs and working groups of other technicalcommissions, on the issues of:(i) Monitoring the exchange of climate data

and products over the GTS and Internet;(ii) Development of the GTS;(iii) Interpretation and implementation of

Resolution 40 (Cg-XII);(2) To invite Mr C. Hall (United Kingdom), Mr W.

Kininmonth (Australia)*, Mr D. Miskus (UnitedStates of America) and Mr M. Payen (France) toserve as Rapporteurs on the InternationalExchange of Climate Data and Products;

REQUESTS rapporteurs to submit to the president of theCommission annual progress reports, a final report and aone- or two-page abstract not later than six monthsbefore the thirteenth session of the Commission.

NOTE: Mr Kinenmonth later informed that he wasunable to accept rapporteurship.

THE COMMISSION FOR CLIMATOLOGY,

NOTING:(1) The Fourth WMO Long-term Plan, Part II, Volume 2

— The World Climate Programme 1996–2005,(2) The report to CCl-XII of the Rapporteurs on Climate

and Human Health, including the Report from theMeeting of Experts on Climate and Human Health,January 1997,

CONSIDERING:(1) That there is a continuous need to take into account

applications of climate information and knowledgein connection with human health as expressed indocuments such as Agenda 21 and the FrameworkConvention on Climate Change,

(2) The need for promoting systematic cooperationbetween national Meteorological Services andhealth professionals, institutions, authorities anddecision makers responsible for human health andwelfare in general,

(3) That, from the human health point of view, thesteady deterioration of climate in the increasinglylarge cities, especially in tropical countries, adds tothe urgency of the need to enable nationalMeteorological Services to contribute to the mitiga-tion of the difficulties,

(4) That there is a need to assist many nationalMeteorological Services, especially in developingcountries, to promote the applications of climatol-ogy to human health,

(5) The potential impacts of climate change on humanhealth,

DECIDES:(1) To appoint Rapporteurs on Climate and Human

Health, including aspects related to tourism andrecreation with the following terms of reference:In collaboration with experts from the meteorologi-cal and other professions dealing with humanhealth, biology, architecture, building, housing,human settlements, land-use planning, tourism andrecreation, clothing and decision-making, to accom-plish the following tasks:(a) To assist in the drafting of guidance material

and to prepare, as necessary, further guidelineson the role and activities of MeteorologicalServices in the area of weather/climate andhuman health, focusing on the needs andconditions in developing countries. Specialconsideration should be given to the feasibilityof mitigating impacts of severe natural hazards,e.g. drought, taking into account the differentresponse of populations to meteorologicalphenomena and their ability to adapt to them;

(b) To review information on the interactionbetween climate/weather and human health,with special emphasis given to the conditionsin large cities and in tropical areas;

(c) To determine more accurately the impacts ofclimate change on human health, includingmortality;

RESOLUTIONS 7 AND 8 25

RESOLUTION 7 (CCl-XII)

RAPPORTEURS ON URBAN AND BUILDING CLIMATOLOGY

THE COMMISSION FOR CLIMATOLOGY,

NOTING:(1) The Fourth WMO Long-term Plan, Part II, Volume 2

— The World Climate Programme 1996–2005,(2) The report to CCl-XII of the Rapporteurs on Urban

and Building Climatology,(3) The Report from the Meeting of the Taskforce on

TRUCE, October 1996,(4) Twelfth Congress, paragraph 7.3.8,CONSIDERING:(1) The emphasis placed on sustainable development in

the areas related to human settlements and land usein documents such as the HABITAT Agenda, Agenda21 and the United Nations Framework Conventionon Climate Change,

(2) The need to promote the optimal use of climateinformation and knowledge in land use, urbaniza-tion and building activities,

DECIDES:(1) To appoint Rapporteurs on Urban and Building

Climatology with the following terms of reference:(a) To review the needs for climate data products

and services in the urban planning sector andto the building and construction industry;

(b) To provide material for continued bibliogra-phies on urban and building climatology;

(c) To contribute to the implementation of theTropical Urban Climate Experiment (TRUCE);

(2) To invite Mr K. Gallo (United States of America),Ms S. Hassan (Bangladesh), Mr E. Jauregui (Mexico),Ms N. Kobysheva (Russian Federation) and MrB. Padmanabhamurthy (India) to serve asRapporteurs on Urban and Building Climatology;

(3) To request rapporteurs to submit to the president of theCommission annual progress reports, a final report anda one- or two-page abstract not later than six monthsbefore the thirteenth session of the Commission.

RESOLUTION 8 (CCl-XII)

RAPPORTEURS ON CLIMATE AND HUMAN HEALTH

(d) To foster the development of activities in coor-dination with international medicalassociations and health organizations, espe-cially WHO, with a view to uniting efforts toextend the sphere of climate applications inthe field of human health;

(2) To invite Mr G. Jendritzky (Germany), Ms T. Cegnar(Slovenia), Mr A. McMichael (United Kingdom),

Mr L. Kalkstein (United States of America), MrL. Lecha Estela (Cuba) and Mr V. Razuvaev (RussianFederation) to serve as Rapporteurs on Climate andHuman Health;

REQUESTS rapporteurs to submit to the president of the Commission annual progress reports and a finalreport and a one- or two-page abstract not later than sixmonths before the thirteenth session of the Commission.

ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE TWELFTH SESSION OF THE COMMISSION FOR CLIMATOLOGY26

RESOLUTION 9 (CCl-XII)

RAPPORTEURS ON ENERGY – METEOROLOGY, INCLUDING SOLAR AND WIND ENERGY

THE COMMISSION FOR CLIMATOLOGY,

NOTING:(1) The Fourth WMO Long-term Plan, Part II, Volume 2

— The World Climate Programme 1996–2005,(2) The report to the Commission’s chairman of the

Working Group on Energy-Meteorology,CONSIDERING that the application of climatologicalinformation and data can be useful and cost-effective in theplanning, design and operation of many energy systems, thatthere is a continuous surge of interest in the development ofrenewable sources of energy, in particular solar and windenergy, as expressed in documents such as Agenda 21 and theFramework Convention on Climate Change, and thus acontinuous need to study the interaction between the envi-ronment and different forms of energy utilization, exploration,production, transport, conservation and consumption,DECIDES:(1) To appoint Rapporteurs on Energy-Meteorology,

including solar and wind energy, with the followingterms of reference:

In collaboration with experts from the energy sectorand other professions dealing with issues related toclimatological aspects and energy to accomplish thefollowing tasks:(a) To review development in the area of energy-

meteorology;(b) To assist in the implementation of WMO activ-

ities related to energy;(c) To contribute to the preparation of guidance

material on the use of climate information andservices in the planning, design and operation ofconventional and renewable energy systems;

(2) To invite Mr H. Dobesch (Austria) and Ms S. Robles-Gil (Mexico) to serve as Rapporteurs onEnergy-Meteorology, including solar and windenergy;

(3) To request the rapporteurs to submit to the presi-dent of the Commission annual progress reports, afinal report and a one- or two-page abstract not laterthan six months before the thirteenth session of theCommission.

RESOLUTION 10 (CCl-XII)

RAPPORTEUR ON TOURISM AND RECREATION

THE COMMISSION FOR CLIMATOLOGY,

NOTING:(1) The Fourth WMO Long-term Plan Part II, Volume 2 —

The World Climate Programme 1996-2005,(2) The reports of the Commission’s Rapporteurs on

Tourism and Recreation,(3) The working arrangements agreed to between WMO

and the World Tourism Organization (WTO),(4) The great economic importance of tourism, recre-

ation and use of leisure time in many nationalbudgets, in particular for developing countries intropical and sub-tropical areas,

(5) The emphasis on sustainable developmentexpressed in documents such as Agenda 21 andreports from the WTO,

CONSIDERING:(1) That climate is often a decisive factor which

provides the resource base for tourism and recre-ation,

(2) That there is a need for relevant climatologicalinformation in planning for tourism, recreation andthe use of leisure time,

(3) That special forecasts are important for tourism andrecreation, particularly in relation to the safety ofhuman life,

DECIDES:(1) To appoint a Rapporteur on Tourism and

Recreation, with the following terms of reference: (a) To complete the preparation for publication of

guidance material for Members on climateapplications and services for tourism and recre-

ation, including aspects related to climate andweather insurance for the sector;

(b) To complete the preparation of a brochure ontourism and climate;

(c) To encourage major international tourism andsport/recreation associations to: (i) incorporate climatic considerations into their

activities; and (ii) use national Meteorological Services for

obtaining climatic data, information andexpertise;

(d) To promote the development of climatother-apy, climatic products and services in support

of the tourism and recreation sectors, espe-cially in developing countries;

(e) To interact with other CCl rapporteurs whoseresponsibilities have implications for thetourism and recreational activities in develop-ing countries, especially with the Rapporteurson Climate and Human Health;

(2) To invite Mr L. Lecha Estela (Cuba) to serve asRapporteur on Tourism and Recreation;

(3) To request the rapporteur to submit to the president ofthe Commission annual progress reports, a final reportand a one- or two-page abstract not later than six monthsbefore the thirteenth session of the Commission.

RESOLUTION 11 27

RESOLUTION 11 (CCl-XII)

RAPPORTEURS ON CAPACITY BUILDING

THE COMMISSION FOR CLIMATOLOGY,

NOTING:(1) The Fourth WMO Long-term Plan, Part II, Volume 2

— The World Climate Programme 1996–2005,(2) The report to CCl-XII of the Rapporteur on

Education and Training with Special Reference toCapacity Building in Developing Countries,

CONSIDERING:(1) The need to preserve the role of the National

Meterological and Hydrological Services as the pre-eminent national authorities on operationalmeteorological and climatological information andpredictions,

(2) The need to improve the scientific capacities inNational Meteorological and Hydrological Services(NMHSs), particularly in developing countries, withemphasis on major issues associated with globalclimate change, pollution and renewable energy,

(3) The rapid gains in access to scientific and educa-tional materials that have been made possible inmany countries through the Internet and computeraided learning (CAL) modules that are available onCD-ROM and through the Internet,

(4) That many NMHSs do not have access to theInternet, have insufficient technical resources, orinsufficient skills to make use of the Internet,

DECIDES:(1) To appoint Rapporteurs on Capacity Building, with

the following terms of reference:(a) To assist in the evaluation of the efficiency of

training courses, seminars and workshops inclimatology, including correspondence courses,audio-visual materials, and CAL in climatology;

(b) To maintian liaison with other WMO rappor-teurs on capacity building, includingeducation and training, and to keep abreast ofdevelopments in the education and trainingactivities of UNESCO, FAO, WHO, UNCHS andother international organizations;

(c) To explore ways to introduce subjects on oper-ational climate information and predictionservices at the WMO Regional MeteorologicalTraining Centres and to recommend the prepa-ration of relevant material;

(d) To explore innovative ways to enable NMHSsto access the Internet;

(e) To review the Guidelines for the Education andTraining of Personnel in Meteorology andOperational Hydrology and propose amend-ments, as relevant.

(2) To invite the following to serve as Rapporteurs onCapacity Building:Mr B. Dahlstrom (Sweden) — with emphasis on theuse of GIS;Mr G. Maracchi (Italy) — with emphasis on the useof GIS;Mr L. du Pisani (Namibia) — with emphasis onconditions in developing countries;Mr J. Rabadi (Jordan) — with emphasis on predic-tion quality and CLIPS; andMr N. Ward (United Kingdom) — with emphasis onprediction quality and CLIPS.

(3) To request rapporteurs to submit to the president ofthe Commission annual progress reports, a finalreport and a one- or two-page abstract, not laterthan six months before the thirteenth session of theCommission.

THE COMMISSION FOR CLIMATOLOGY,

NOTING:(1) The Fourth WMO Long-term Plan, Part II, Volume 2

— The World Climate Programme 1996–2005,(2) The report to CCl-XII of the chairman of the

Working Group on the Operational Use ofClimatological Knowledge,

(3) The report of the Meeting of Experts on CLIPS(Melbourne, 1995),

(4) The report of the Meeting of Experts on CLIPS(Geneva, 1996),

CONSIDERING

(1) The emphasis placed on involvement of users in allphases associated with the implementation ofclimate services,

(2) The need to provide Members with information onhow to educate users in understanding and usingclimate information,

(3) The need to help Members find ways to understandusers’ processes and modify climate services andproducts,

DECIDES:(1) To appoint Rapporteurs on Interaction with Users,

and Public Awareness, with the following terms ofreference:(a) To study the ways to explore with users their

operations, processes and the decisions thatcould be improved by using climate informa-tion;

(b) To make appropriate recommendations onmethods to help users make optimal decisionswith probabilistic climate predictions, othertypes of climate predictions, and climate dataand monitoring information;

(c) To focus on the priority areas in CLIPS, such asfood production, water resources management(with special reference to drought and desertifi-cation), human health and tourism, and urbanplanning and building;

(d) To study ways to promote public awareness ofthe types of climate information and predic-tions as well as to give advice on their use;

(e) To collaborate with the CCl Working Group onCLIPS, and with the CCl Rapporteur on Typesand Quality of Operational Climate PredictionMethods;

(2) To invite the following to to serve as Rapporteurs onInteraction with Users, and Public Awareness:Ms E. Koch (Austria) — with emphasis on financialand legal aspects;Mr L. Song (China) — with emphasis on socio-economic benefits; andMr V. Trenin (Russian Federation) — with emphasison socio-economic benefits;

(3) To request rapporteurs to submit to the president ofthe Commission annual progress reports, a finalreport and a one- or two-page abstract, not laterthan six months before the thirteenth session of theCommission.

ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE TWELFTH SESSION OF THE COMMISSION FOR CLIMATOLOGY28

RESOLUTION 12 (CCl-XII)

RAPPORTEURS ON INTERACTION WITH USERS AND PUBLIC AWARENESS

RESOLUTION 13 (CCl-XII)

RAPPORTEURS ON GLOBAL TELECOMMUNICATION SYSTEM (GTS)AND INTERNET UTILIZATION

THE COMMISSION FOR CLIMATOLOGY,

NOTING:(1) The Fourth WMO Long-term Plan, Part II, Volume 2

— The World Climate Programme 1996–2005,(2) The report to CCl-XII of the chairman of the Working

Group on the Operational Use of ClimatologicalKnowledge,

(3) The report of the Meeting of Experts on CLIPS(Melbourne, 1995),

(4) The report of the Meeting of Experts on CLIPS(Geneva, 1996),

CONSIDERING:(1) The rapidity with which global and regional climate

information is becoming accessible throughout theworld on the Internet,

(2) The need to preserve the role of the NationalMeterological and Hydrological Services (NMHSs) asthe pre-eminent national authorities on operational

meteorological and climatological information andpredictions,

(3) The need to improve Members’ access to regionaland global climate information and predictions,

(4) The need to provide Members with information onhow to exploit the telecommunications means inproviding their products to users,

(5) The escalating cost of organizing workshops, train-ing seminars, and publication of reports,

DECIDES:(1) To appoint Rapporteurs on GTS and Internet utiliza-

tion, with the following terms of reference:(a) To study the potential and capability to trans-

mit climate information and predictions viathe GTS;

(b) To provide guidance on the ways to access,store, and display climate information via theInternet, including downloading software toprocess and analyze such data;

(c) To study ways to establish an Internet dialogueamong selected NMHSs to carry out the follow-ing functions:(i) Distribution of Climate Outlooks;(ii) Distribution of pilot/demonstration

project progress reports;(iii) Initiate activity on bringing the users

closer to the climate informationproviders through the Internet;

(iv) Conduct experimental online trainingevents and other meetings;

(v) Generate feedback to the climate informa-tion and predictions providers;

(d) To collaborate with the the Working Group onTeleconnections/Study Group on Communi-cation Techniques and Protocols (WWW), theCCl Working Groups on CLIPS and on ClimateData, and the WMO Webmaster;

(2) To invite Mr E. Ekuwen (Nigeria), Ms E. Farman (Iran), Mr J. Laver (United States of America) and Mr A. Sterin(Russian Federation ) to serve as Rapporteurs on GTSand Internet Utilization;

(3) To request rapporteurs to submit to the president of theCommission annual progress reports, a final report anda one- or two-page abstract, not later than six monthsbefore the thirteenth session of the Commission.

RESOLUTION 14 29

RESOLUTION 14 (CCl-XII)

RAPPORTEURS ON CLIMATE COMPUTING (CLICOM) AND ITS FUTURE DEVELOPMENT

THE COMMISSION FOR CLIMATOLOGY,NOTING:(1) The Fourth WMO Long-term Plan, Part II, Volume 2

— The World Climate Programme 1996 - 2005,(2) General summary paragraph 3.2.1.9 (Twelfth

Congress),(3) The requirements for a future integrated climate

database management system developed by the ExpertMeeting on the Future Evolution of WMOCoordinated Climate Database Management Systemsheld in Washington DC, United States of America, inAugust 1994,

(4) Recommendations from the Expert Meeting toReview and Assess the Oracle-based Prototype forFuture Climate Database Management Systems(CDMS) held in Toulouse, France, in May 1997,Summary Notes and Recommmendations for CCl,WCDMP No-31 (WMO/TD-No. 832),

CONSIDERING:(1) The need for computer-managed data sets to

address the continuing concerns and uncertaintywith regard to climate change and its potentialimpacts on global and regional scales,

(2) The value of climate data as a national resource tosupport and help develop the economy,

(3) The need to promote the international exchange ofclimatological data and products,

(4) The rapid technological advances that have takenplace in desktop PC hardware and relationaldatabase management software,

(5) The recommendation of experts that there be nofurther development beyond version 3.1 of theexisting CLICOM software,

(6) The climatological data management needs ofWMO Members who want a climate data manage-ment system (CDMS) more advanced than thecurrent version (3.1) of the CLICOM software,

DECIDES:(1) To appoint Rapporteurs on CLICOM and its future

Development with the following terms of reference:

(a) To use as guidance the three-tier approach toclimate data management that was agreed to bythe expert meeting in Toulouse in May 1997;

(b) To advise the president of CCl and the chairmanof the CCl Working Group on Climate Data onCLICOM-related matters, particularly on theutilization of Climate Data Management Systemsfor climate data management for climate moni-toring, climate change detection, and researchpurposes;

(c) To liaise, as appropriate, with other relevantCCl and/or CBS rapporteurs, working groupsor special task groups on the issues of:(i) Development of climate applications and

services;(ii) Implementation of professional training;(iii) Future Climate Data Management Systems

(CDMS) — development and possible linkagewith related database management systems;

(d) To advise on and promote the use of softwarefor the coding and transmission of CLIMAT andCLIMAT TEMP messages and to ensure compat-ibility with GTS circuits;

(e) To optimize the use of readily availablecommercial software;

(f) To ensure sufficient database compatibilitybetween those developed by pre-1998 versionsof the CLICOM software and those developedby more advanced future CDMSs;

(2) To invite Mr P. Ambenje (Kenya), Mr A.Besprozvannykh (Russian Federation), Mr R. Tolasz(Czech Republic), and others* to be appointed by thepresident of CCl to serve as Rapporteurs on CLICOMand its Future Development;

(3) To request the rapporteurs to submit to the president ofthe Commission annual progress reports, a final reportand a one- or two-page abstract, not later than sixmonths before the thirteenth session of the Commission.

* NOTE: Mr B. M. Pathack (Mauritius) has been appointed.

THE COMMISSION FOR CLIMATOLOGY,

NOTING:(1) The Fourth WMO Long-term Plan, Part II, Volume 2

— The World Climate Programme 1996B2005,(2) The requirements for the use of climatological data

and knowledge in climate research and in the provi-sion of services to various fields of application,

CONSIDERING that the use of objective data analysismethods is indispensable for the identification of thespecific characteristics of observational data series, partic-ularly in climate monitoring and climate changedetection, and for the creation of and interpretation ofthe results of climate prediction models,DECIDES:(1) To appoint Rapporteurs on Statistical Methods, with

the following terms of reference:(a) To study the most appropriate methods for

solving statistical problems in the use ofclimate data for applications and services,including climate monitoring and characteriza-tion of the diversity of climate evolution ondifferent parts of the Earth, in particular:(i) To investigate and report on statistical

aspects of the problems of spatial interpo-lation of data and optimal design ofclimatological networks;

(ii) To investigate and report on statisticalaspects of the problem of time series analysis;

(iii) To investigate and report on the statisticalaspects of analysis of extreme events andextreme values;

(iv) To advise on the use of statistical methodsin the interpretation of and qualitycontrol of the output of general circula-tion models (GCMs);

(b) To recommend, in consultation with other CClrapporteurs and chairmen of working groups,appropriate methods for the analysis and presenta-tion of climatological data in applied climatology;

(2) To invite the following to serve as Rapporteurs onStatistical Methods:Mr C. Merlier (France) — with emphasis on spatialinterpolation;Mr T. Peterson (United States of America) — withemphasis on analyses of extreme events;Mr R. Sneyers (Belgium) — with emphasis on time-series;Mr T. Szentimrey (Hungary) — with emphasis ondata homogenization;

(3) To request the rapporteurs to submit to the presi-dent of the Commission annual progress reports, afinal report and a one- or two-page abstract, notlater than six months before the thirteenth sessionof the Commission.

ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE TWELFTH SESSION OF THE COMMISSION FOR CLIMATOLOGY30

RESOLUTION 15 (CCl-XII)

RAPPORTEURS ON STATISTICAL METHODS

RESOLUTION 16 (CCl-XII)

RAPPORTEURS ON CLIMATOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF WATER RESOURCES MANAGEMENT IN DRY CLIMATES

THE COMMISSION FOR CLIMATOLOGY,

NOTING:(1) The Fourth WMO Long-term Plan, Part II, Volume 2

— The World Climate Programme 1996-2005,(2) The reports to the Commission of the Rapporteur

on Water Resources,(3) Agenda 21, the IPCC reports, the Framework

Convention on Climate Change and theConvention to Combat Desertification,

(4) The ongoing work at the Drought MonitoringCentres and plans for further development ofrelated programmes,

CONSIDERING:(1) That water resources management is an important

component in mitigating the impact of droughtand desertification, which can result in considerablehuman suffering, damage and loss in many sectorsof the national economy,

(2) The need for the Commission to contribute in itsfield of competence to WMO activities, especially tothose related to WCP-water and CHy,

DECIDES:(1) To appoint Rapporteurs on Climatological Aspects

of Water Resources Management in Dry Climates,with the following terms of reference:(a) To study and propose climate scenarios in rela-

tion to water resources management in variousdry regions;

(b) To follow the progress in the area ofclimate/seasonal forecasting, especially as itrelates to water resources management andmitigation of adverse impact of droughts;

(c) To promote the realization of studies on theuse of climate information and services(including monitoring, warning, impact assess-ment, prediction and mitigation) especially indeveloping countries in dry regions;

(d) To provide liaison with CAgM, CAS and CHy, aswell as with UNEP and FAO, on relevant matters;

(2) To invite Mr A. Komuscu (Turkey) and Mr K. Li(China) to serve as Rapporteurs on ClimatologicalAspects of Water Resources Management in DryClimates;

(3) To request the rapporteurs to submit to the presi-dent of the Commission annual progress reports, afinal report and a one- or two-page abstract, notlater than six months before the thirteenth sessionof the Commission.

RESOLUTIONS 17 AND 18 31

RESOLUTION 17 (CCl-XII)

RAPPORTEURS ON CLIMATE CHANGE DETECTION METHODOLOGIES AND INDICES

THE COMMISSION FOR CLIMATOLOGY,

NOTING:(1) The Fourth WMO Long-term Plan, Part II, Volume 2

— The World Climate Programme 1996B2005,(2) The plans and objectives of CLIVAR, IPCC and

GCOS,(3) Resolution 5 (EC-XLIII) — Climate Change

Detection — and the action taken by the presidentof CCl in accordance with this resolution,

(4) Paragraph 3.2.4.12 of the general summary of Cg-XII and the subsequent resolution 9/2 of CCl-XII,

(5) The report to CCl-XII of the chairman of theWorking Group on Climate Change Detection,

(6) The recommendations of a June 1997CLIVAR/GCOS/WMO Expert Meeting on Indicesand Indicators of Climate Extremes,

CONSIDERING that, because of major interest and concernregarding the variability of climate and the early detec-tion of climate change, there will be a long-standingrequirement for an ongoing evaluation of climate onglobal and regional scales which will require the devel-opment of relevant indices for use in detecting climatechange,DECIDES:(1) To appoint Rapporteurs on Climate Change

Detection Methodologies and Indices with thefollowing terms of reference:(a) To collaborate with the Working Group on

Climate Change Detection in the development

of climate change detection indices and inreviewing relevant parts of WMO programmesand activities, including the TechnicalRegulations;

(b) To keep abreast of scientific developmentsinvolving the monitoring, detection andmodelling of climate change, in general, thecharacterization of evolution of past climate,and especially to study the underlying princi-pals for compiling reference climate data setsand the development of indices and indicatorsfor use in detecting climate change;

(c) To contribute to the study of the homogeneityand the statistical properties of the long-termdata series of climate-related parameters and toadvise on procedures for ensuring the homo-geneity of climate data;

(d) To collaborate closely with experts working onthe development of indices and indicators ofclimate extremes;

(2) To invite Mr C. Folland (United Kingdom), Mr G.Gruza (Russian Federation), Mr W. Hogg (Canada),Mr I. Mokssit (Morocco) and Mr N. Plummer(Australia) to serve as Rapporteurs on ClimateChange Detection Methodologies and Indices;

(3) To request the rapporteurs to submit to the presi-dent of the Commission annual progress reports, afinal report and a one- or two-page abstract, notlater than six months before the thirteenth sessionof the Commission.

RESOLUTION 18 (CCl-XII)

PARTICIPATION OF WOMEN IN THE WORK OF THE COMMISSION

THE COMMISSION FOR CLIMATOLOGY,

NOTING:(1) The United Nations Conference on Women (Beijing,

China, 1995) and its recognition of the importance ofwomen and their contributions to sciences,

(2) The appeals made in Chapter 24 of Agenda 21:Programme of Action for Sustainable Development(Rio de Janeiro, 1992) on “Global action forwomen towards sustainable and equitabledevelopment”,

(3) The UNDP emphasis and priority of the advance-ment of women in meteorology and operationalhydrology,

(4) That the forty-eighth and forty-ninth sessions of theExecutive Council had requested Members toencourage the advancement of women in meteorol-ogy and operational hydrology,

CONSIDERING discussions held at this session reflect theneed for more women to become involved in climatolog-ical activities in general and the work of the Commissionin particular,

WELCOMING the very active participation of women dele-gates at this session,URGES Members to respond to the “Questionnaire onthe Participation of Women and Men in the Activities ofthe World Meteorological Organization and in theFields of Meteorology, Operational Hydrology andRelated Geophysical Sciences” distributed by thesecretariat;URGES FURTHER Members to identify focal points in theirNMHSs for this activity;RECOMMENDS that Members:(1) Actively provide encouragement and support for an

increased number of women to work as professional

staff and at decision-making levels in NMHSs, othermeteorological and hydrological institutions and inregional, national and international cooperationprogrammes;

(2) Increase the representation of women in their dele-gations to sessions of the Commission forClimatology and participation in CCl workinggroups, expert meetings and training activities tothe extent possible;

REQUESTS the president of CCl to report to the thirteenthsession of the Commission (CCl-XIII) on progress in theimplementation of this resolution during the interses-sional period.

ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE TWELFTH SESSION OF THE COMMISSION FOR CLIMATOLOGY32

RESOLUTION 19 (CCl-XII)

REVIEW OF PREVIOUS RESOLUTIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE COMMISSION FOR CLIMATOLOGY

THE COMMISSION FOR CLIMATOLOGY,

NOTING the action taken on its previous recommendations,CONSIDERING that all its previous resolutions are nowobsolete,

DECIDES:(1) Not to keep in force any of its resolutions adopted

prior to its twelfth session;(2) That the recommendations of its previous sessions

are now redundant.

THE COMMISSION FOR CLIMATOLOGY,

NOTING with satisfaction the action taken on its previousrecommendations by the Executive Council,RECOMMENDS:(1) That the following Executive Council resolutions be

maintained in force:

18 (EC-XXII), 6 (EC-XXXVI), 8 (EC-XXXVIII), 9 (EC-XXXVIII), 10 (EC-XXXVIII) and 5 (EC-XLVI);

(2) That Resolution 6 (EC-XLVI) be replaced by a newresolution, relating to the report of the twelfthsession of CCl.

RECOMMENDATION ADOPTED BY THE SESSION

RECOMMENDATION 1 (CCl-XII)

REVIEW OF RESOLUTIONS OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL BASED ON PREVIOUS

RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE COMMISSION FOR CLIMATOLOGY

ANNEX

Annex to paragraph 8.1.6 of the general summary

PLAN OF ACTION FOR THE TROPICAL URBAN CLIMATE EXPERIMENT (TRUCE)

1. INTRODUCTION

Tropical cities face an enormous expansion in popula-tion and probable degradation in environmental quality,including aspects of urban climate such as air pollution,heat stress and flash floods, with significant negativeimplications for health, safety, productivity and conser-vation. In order to address these problems, a proposalthat an international meteorological experimentalprogramme be developed in order to improve our under-standing of the tropical urban atmosphere, as well as itsimpact on human and urban development, was made atthe WMO Technical Conference on Urban Climatologyand its Applications with Special Regard to TropicalAreas, held in 1984 in Mexico, D.F. The WMOCommission for Climatology (CCl) at its tenth session(Lisbon, April 1989) adopted a recommendation on“Tropical Urban Climate Experiment (TRUCE)”, outlin-ing such a programme.

The project is named TRUCE, an acronym ofTRopical Urban Climate Experiment. In fact, TRUCE isnot meant to be one experiment but rather a set ofexperiments, including observations, analysis of dataand model studies designed to further the knowledge ofthe urban atmosphere, i.e. environmental conditionsand climate of tropical conurbations in various climaticregimes and urban situations. The information fromthese experiments would form a database and shouldhelp in the development of tools and methods to beused in planning for more sustainable urban environ-ments, and thus improve the living conditions in urbanareas in the tropics.

A major review of TRUCE-related activities wasmade at the Technical Conference on Tropical UrbanClimates (TECTUC), Dhaka, Bangladesh, 1993. TheWMO Executive Council endorsed the recommendationsand suggested that TRUCE should be included as one ofthe priority activities in the Fourth WMO Long-termPlan (1996-2005). It was further stressed that WMOshould seek active participation in TRUCE from otherinternational and national organizations, includingUNEP, UNHCHS (Habitat), UNESCO, UNDP, WHO, theWorld Bank, ICSU, IGU, CIB and IFHP.

The present revised version of the Plan of Action forTRUCE takes account of the decisions, recommendationsand comments referred to above.

2. RATIONALE — THE CLIMATE-RELATED PROBLEMS OF

URBAN GROWTH IN THE TROPICS

Accelerated urban growth in developing countries (mostof them in the tropics/subtropics) has been observed in

recent decades. The uncontrolled flow of migrants to thecities has led to the proliferation of large metropolitanareas. By the year 2000, the number of cities with morethan 1 million inhabitants will have increased threefoldfrom the 52 such cities that existed in 1982. Besidesputting pressure on high-priority services such as sewage,water supply, education and other facilities, the mainlychaotic urbanization is leading to environmental degra-dation (e.g. air pollution, heat stress). Despite theacclimatization to heat by the inhabitants of the tropics,increased morbidity and loss of productivity may resultfrom the extra stress contributed by the heat islandgrowth in large cities.

The IPCC reported as “major findings” in its firstassessment in 1990, that throughout the world the mostvulnerable populations include the urban poor in slumsand shanty towns, especially in megacities. IPCCconcluded that a principal issue is the impact of climatechange on human settlement and related socio-economic activity. The concerns are also reflected inAgenda 21 and in the FCCC. TECTUC (1993) empha-sized that the “Urban System” interacts in a complexway with the regional and global climate. It is the majorsource of GHGs and other environmental pollutantsbecause it is a major user of energy. Potential large-scaleenvironmental/climatic change will have an importantimpact on the “Urban Systems”, including urban popula-tions and sensitive infrastructures, such as transportsystems, thermal comfort facilities and shoreline struc-tures. Furthermore, changes in the “Urban System andMorphology” have distinctive impacts upon microclimate. Those climatic impacts have lasting conse-quences over life and living of urban people.

Oke (1993) discussed the interaction between“global change and urban climates” and formulated thefollowing questions:“To what extent are urban areas the cause of globalchange, the possible victims or beneficiaries of change,the source of scientific confusion about the reality ofchange, useful laboratories in which to study change,and appropriate agents to aid mitigation of the negativeimpacts of global change?” He shows that the answers tothese questions confirm the central role of cities inglobal change and states, “It seems critical to involve thisscale of enquiry more centrally in research programmesand plans of action.”

Furthermore, the “Urban System” is highly vulnera-ble to natural disasters. Known technology and designmethodology in building and construction can todayprovide for increased safety and improved preparedness,provided this is considered in urban planning and build-

ing, and based on reliable assessments of risks for disas-ters such as cyclones, floods, heatwaves, etc.

The IPCC refers to “Options for limiting greenhouse gasemissions” with an example in the building sector, in whichnew homes could be roughly twice as energy-efficient andnew commercial buildings up to 75 per cent as energy-effi-cient as existing buildings, and retrofitting existing homescould average 25 per cent improvement and existingcommercial buildings around 50 per cent. Even though airconditioning is not yet generalized in the tropics, new build-ings show a tendency to move away from traditional passivemeans of cooling and, as cities and their heat islands havegrown, the demand for power to run air conditioning equip-ment is expected to spiral.

Our understanding of the physical processesregulating the urban atmosphere, and moreover theinteraction between the urban climate and regional/globalclimates is still poor, especially in the tropics. The reasonsfor this can be traced to the relatively poor base ofmeteorological resources available to research workers inthe tropics. There are insufficient numbers of trainedpersonnel, and a lack of research funding, equipment andcomputer facilities.

3. MAIN OBJECTIVES OF TRUCE

(a) The main objectives of TRUCE are:(i) To provide a basis for urban environmental

planning and operation which will achievemore sustainable human settlements and aimat attainment of an environmental qualitywhich provides for improved health, well-being and productivity of the population, andalso meets the global concern about energyissues; and

(ii) To provide for capacity building throughimproved scientific understanding of the phys-ical mechanisms and processes controlling themodification of the atmospheres of tropicalurban areas, including their interaction withregional and global scale climatic variabilityand change.

(b) The main goals of TRUCE are:(i) To initiate, coordinate and implement observa-

tional and theoretical research programmes,which should include studies on the ways inwhich various features of the physical struc-tures of cities affect the urban climate and thethermal stress of the inhabitants, the consump-tion of energy (cooling, etc.) and dispersion ofpollutants;

(ii) To conduct experiments and develop modelsto better understand the tropical urban andbuilding climate and improve, through urbanand building design, the urban environment;

(iii) To make available the results in a coordinateddatabase from activities related to TRUCE, withthe aim of promoting the use of climate infor-mation for improving building and urbandesign; and

(iv) To provide for capacity building in sustainableurban development by establishing links betweenresearchers and encouraging international collab-oration, coordination and networks of research inurban meteorology and related fields.

4. INITIAL SCIENTIFIC TASKS

Initially, priority should be given to the following scien-tific tasks/studies:(a) Understanding the physical basis of urban climates

in tropical cities, e.g. modelling the urban atmo-sphere, the urban heat islands, the city breeze, etc.;

(b) Elucidating the effects of the physical characteristics ofurban developments on climate, including effects onenergy issues and air quality, as well as the impact ofthe urban climate on human health/well-being;

(c) Understanding the complex interaction betweenclimate, place and people in an integrated approachtowards sustainable urban development from thepoint of view of effective application in design andurban planning; and

(d) Assessing the role of urban areas as sources of atmo-spheric contaminants, including GHGs and aerosolsin cooperation with IPCC.

5. CAPACITY BUILIDING/EDUCATION AND TRAINING

An important aspect of TRUCE relates to capacity build-ing in developing countries. This is suggested to bethrough provision of expert missions; preparation ofeducational materials and guides; curricula; informationtransfer for application, use and evaluation; monitoringstudies and feedback; attachments to joint projects;roving seminars; and regional TRUCE-related workshops.There could also be arrangements with exchange ofscientists.

6. ONGOING ACTIVITIES

Several activities have already been initiated within theframework of TRUCE. Urban climate studies have beenor are under way in many cities. Reporting of resultsfrom such studies has been made at international confer-ences, e.g. TECTUC (1993) and ICUC ’96. Bibliographiesand literature reviews showing a significant increase inactivities relating to the tropical urban climate have beenpublished. Many universities offer special courses directlyrelated to urban climates and curricula focusing on thetropical urban conditions are under preparation withinthe framework of TRUCE.

A task force for TRUCE has met on several occasionsand activities under consideration by this group include:(a) Identification of a Member country to host a Data

Bank on Urban Climate information;(b) Publication of regular TRUCE Newsletters using elec-

tronic media;(c) Identification of gaps in present knowledge and

planning for further studies (including the proposedMexico City project, which has been consideredsuitable for a pilot study);

ANNEX 35

(d) Definition of links between the urbanclimate/environment and climate variability/changeat the regional/global scale, e.g. using urban-ruraldatasets;

(e) Development of climate-related guidelines forenergy efficiency and conservation in urban areas,including guidelines for revision of building codes,concerning ventilation requirements at the urbanand building scales;

(f) Preparation of design guidelines with the aim ofestablishing bioclimatic design concepts and strate-gies among teachers and practitioners, as well asproviding a basis for further development of relatedclimate services;

(g) Working to understand the complexity involved inthe process of designing healthy settlements, devel-oping climate-responsive applications to sustainableenvironment in megacities, and evaluating andmonitoring the performance of buildings and urbanareas;

(h) Improvement of knowledge and information relatedto urban climates as input to assessments of poten-tials for natural disasters and in preparation ofdisaster mitigation and preparedness planning, i.e.as recommended by the IDNDR; and

(i) Contribution of TRUCE in the development of legalinstruments and encouragement of applications ofclimate-responsive regulations for sustainable devel-opment at the urban scale.

7. CRITERIA FOR SELECTION OF CITIES

Cities for TRUCE-related studies should be selected based oncriteria such as local interest and thus the potential for valu-able results. Physical conditions such as inland versus coastallocations, highland versus lowland situations, overallclimate as well as geographical balance should all be consid-ered. Availability of results from previous studies, and of adatabase which includes geography, topography, land use,etc. are important assets.

If a number of cities are selected for TRUCE experi-ments, the problem of resources being divided in severalgeographical locations might arise; but this solution wouldperhaps have the advantage that many cities would reflectlocal interest and needs while the basic research work wouldbe undertaken by local climatologists with help from foreign(i.e. mid-latitude) expertise.

On the other hand, if efforts are targeted on a majorexperiment in one specific city, the advantage would be thatmany interested groups (local and foreign) could participateat one time.

ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE TWELFTH SESSION OF THE COMMISSION FOR CLIMATOLOGY36

A. Officers of the session

W. J. Maunder President

Y. Boodhoo Vice President

B. Representatives of Members of WMO

Algeria E. Hammad Principal DelegateA. Ould-Amara Delegate

Australia M. E. Voice (Ms) Principal DelegateR. G. Stone Delegate

Austria E. Rudel Principal Delegate

Bahamas A. Rolle Principal delegate

Bahrain A. Isa Principal delegate

Bangladesh S. Islam Principal delegate

Belgium M. Vandiepenbeeck Principal delegateR. Sneyers Delegate

Bosnia and S. Fadzan Principal delegateHerzegovina S. Radjo (Ms) Delegate

Botswana P. Lesolle (Ms) Principal delegate

Brazil J. De Moraes Principal delegate

Canada J. Masterton (Ms) Principal delegate

China Shen Guoquan Principal delegateKerang Li DelegateXu Tang DelegateZhu Changhan Delegate

Costa Rica J. Alvarez Principal delegate

Croatia Z. Katusin Principal delegateM. Gajic-C

v

apka (Ms) AlternateN. Becirevic (Ms) Delegate

Cuba L. R. Paz Castro Principal delegate

Czech L. Coufal Principal delegateRepublic

Denmark K. Jensen (4-8/8) Principal delegateB. C. Christensen (11-14/8) Principal delegate

Egypt A. A. M. Faris Principal delegate

Estonia P. Karing Principal delegate

Finland R. Heino Principal delegateJ. A. U. Helminen Delegate

France O. Moch Principal delegateM. Payen Delegate

Germany V. Vent-Schmidt Principal delegateP. Hechler DelegateG. Jendritzky Delegate

Ghana N. B. Yelifari Principal delegate

Greece C. Gagaoudaki (Ms) Principal delegate

Hungary S. Szalai Principal delegate

Iceland T. Palsdot’tir (Ms) Principal delegate

Indonesia E. Pratomo Principal delegateU. Hadi DelegateS. Kadarisman Delegate

Iran, Islamic A. Asgari Principal delegateRepublic of I. Gharah Delegate

Ireland D. L. Fitzgerald Principal delegate

Israel S. Rubin Principal delegate

Italy G. Maracchi Principal delegate

Jamaica F. Hall Principal delegate

Japan H. Kondo Principal delegateK. Shida Alternate

Jordan J. Rabadi Principal delegate

Kenya S. J. M. Njoroge Principal delegate

Kuwait K. Shuaibi Principal delegate

Lebanon A. P. Bejjani Principal delegate

Lithuania P. Korkutis Principal delegate

Libyan Arab T. Bargan Principal delegateJamahiriya M. T. El-Alem Delegate

M. J. El-Ghadi Delegate

Macao A. Viseu Principal delegateTong Si Man Delegate

Malaysia Yong Pok Wing Principal delegate

Mauritius Y. Boodhoo Principal delegate

Morocco M. L. Selassi Principal delegate

Namibia A. L. du Pisani Principal delegate

Netherlands G. P. Können Principal delegateA. F. van Engelen Delegate

New ZealandR. E. Basher Principal delegateW. J. Maunder Delegate

Niger I. Also Principal delegate

Nigeria M.O. Dosunmu Principal delegateS. A. Ettu Delegate

Norway B. Aune Principal delegate

Oman S. Al-Saifi Principal delegateT. A. A. Al-Farsi Delegate

Philippines M. A. Catalina (Ms) Principal delegate

Poland J. Pruchnicki Principal delegate

Portugal M. Espirito Santo (Ms) Principal delegate

APPENDIX A

LIST OF PERSONS ATTENDING THE SESSION

Name Capacity

Member Name Capacity

Member Name Capacity

Qatar R. G. Al-Kubaisi Principal delegateM. H. Al-Sulaiti Delegate

Republic Chung-Kyu Park Principal delegateof Korea

Republic A. A. Almakaleh Principal delegateof Yemen A. Al-Sairafi Alternate

Romania P. Tuinea Principal delegateV. Cuculeanu Delegate

Russian S. I. Avdjushin Principal delegateFederation M. Shaimardanov Delegate

V. Trenin Delegate

Saudi Arabia S. Mohalfi Principal delegateM. M. Asali DelegateS. Sumilan Delegate

Slovakia E. Nieplova (Ms) Principal delegate

Slovenia T. Cegnar (Ms) Principal delegate

South M. V. Laing Principal delegateAfrica

Spain C. Almarza (4-8/8) Principal delegateL. Balairón (11-14/8) Principal delegate

Sri Lanka W. de Silva Principal delegate

Sweden B. Dahlström Principal delegate

Switzerland W. Kirchhofer Principal delegate

Syrian N. Al-Shalabi Principal delegateArab M. Ido DelegateRepublic

The former P. Ristevski Principal delegateYugoslavRepublic of Macedonia

Tunisia B. Bchir Principal delegateTurkey A. U. Komuscu Principal delegate

Ukraine N. Tokar (Ms) Principal delegateV. Grynyshyn Delegate

United H. Al-Ameri Principal delegateArab Emirates

United J.M. Nicholls Principal delegateKingdom D. E. Parker Delegate

United K. Davidson Principal delegateStates of M. Yerg AlternateAmerica J. D. Laver Delegate

G. D. Cartwright AdviserC. Ropelewski Adviser

Venezuela H. O. Sanz Lopez Principal delegate

Viet Nam Tran Duy Binh Principal delegate

C. Invited Experts

M. BakerM. J. CoughlanE. Jauregui

D. Lectures

B. AuneT. Cegnar (Ms)F. H. M. SemazziR. C. Stone

E. Representatives of International Organizations

C. C. Wallen United Nations Environment Programme(UNEP)

A. Bitan International Federation for Housing andPlanning (IFHP)

K.-G. Lingner International Organization forStandardization (ISO)

N. Graham International Research Institute (IRI)

ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE TWELFTH SESSION OF THE COMMISSION FOR CLIMATOLOGY38

Member Name Capacity Member Name Capacity

Name Organization

1. OPENING OF THE SESSION PINK 1

2. ORGANIZATION OF THE SESSION PINK 2; PINK 192.1 Consideration of the report on credentials 2; PINK 192.2 Adoption of the agenda 1, 2; PINK 22.3 Establishment of committees 2; PINK 22.4 Other organizational matters 2; PINK 2

3. REPORT BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE COMMISSION 3; PINK 11 Res. 1

4. REPORTS OF THE CCL WORKING GROUPS AND RAPPORTEURS 4; 4, ADD. 1; 4, ADD. 2; PINK 7

5. CLIMATE SYSTEM MONITORING 4; 5; PINK 9 5.1 Climate change detection 5; PINK 9 5.2 Review of the state of the global and regional climate 5; PINK 9

and its variability5.3 Reference climate observation networks 5; PINK 9

6. CLIMATE DATA MANAGEMENT 4; 6; PINK 10 6.1 Data collection, including data rescue (DARE) 6; PINK 10 6.2 Data processing, including CLICOM 6; PINK 10 6.3 Climate data sets production 6; PINK 10 6.4 Climate data exchange, including policy issues 6; PINK 10 6.5 “The year 2000” computer problem PINK 10 6.6 Use of Internet, including the WMO home page PINK 10

7. CLIMATE INFORMATION AND PREDICTION SERVICES (CLIPS) 4; 7; PINK 5 7.1 Interpretation of climate products 4; 7; PINK 5 7.2 Interaction with users 7; PINK 5 7.3 Socio-economic and environmental benefits from climate services 7; PINK 5 Res. 2 7.4 Evaluation and review of operational climate predictions PINK 5

8. DEVELOPMENT OF CLIMATE APPLICATION METHODOLOGIES FOR 4; 8; PINK 4 VARIOUS SOCIO-ECONOMIC SECTORS

8.1 Urban development 4; 8; PINK 4 8.2 Human health 4; 4, ADD. 1; 8; PINK 4 8.3 Energy production and consumption 4; 8; PINK 4 8.4 Agriculture 4; PINK 4 8.5 Water resources 4, ADD. 2, PINK 4

9. PRIORITIES FOR THE FUTURE WORK OF THE COMMISSION 4; 9; PINK 14; Res. 3-17 PINK 16; PINK 18

9.1 The CCl role in the development of GCOS 9; PINK 14 9.2 Interaction with international climate related activities within the 9; PINK 14

Climate Agenda 9.3 Development of the relevant parts of the WMO Fifth Long-term

Plan (5LTP) 9; PINK 149.4 CCl support to the WMO’s and other international climate- PINK 14

related programmes 9.5 Terms of Reference of the Commission PINK 14

APPENDIX B

AGENDA

Resolutions andAgenda item Documents recommendations

adopted

10. GUIDE TO CLIMATOLOGICAL PRACTICES AND TECHNICAL REGULATIONS 10; PINK 12

11. PARTICIPATION OF WOMEN IN THE WORK OF THE COMMISSION PINK 13 Res. 18

12. CAPACITY BUILDING 4; 11; PINK 15

13. ANY OTHER MATTERS

14. SCIENTIFIC LECTURES AND DISCUSSIONS 12; PINK 6

15. NOMINATION OF MEMBERS OF WORKING GROUPS AND RAPPORTEURS

16. REVIEW OF PREVIOUS RESOLUTIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE 13; PINK 3 Res. 19COMMISSION AND OF RELEVANT EXECUTIVE COUNCIL RESOLUTIONS Rec. 1

17. ELECTION OF OFFICERS PINK 8; PINK 17

18. DATE AND PLACE OF THE THIRTEENTH SESSION PINK 19

19. CLOSURE OF THE SESSION

ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE TWELFTH SESSION OF THE COMMISSION FOR CLIMATOLOGY40

Resolutions andAgenda item Documents recommendations

adopted

I. “DOC” series

1 Provisional agenda 2 President of CCl

2 Explanatory memorandum relating to the provisional agenda 2 President of CCl

3 Report by the president of the Commission 3 President of CCl

4 Reports of the CCl working groups and rapporteurs 4 President of CClADD. 1

5 Climate system monitoring 5 Chairman, ADD. 2 Committee A

6 Climate data management 6 Chairman,Committee A

7 Climate information and prediction services (CLIPS) 7 Chairman,Committee B

8 Development of climate application methodologies for 8 Chairman,various socio-economic sectors Committee B

9 Priorities for the implementation of the WCDMP and WCASP 9 Chairman, Committee of the Whole

10 Guide to Climatological Practices and Technical Regulations 10 Chairman,Committee A

11 Capacity building 11 Vice President of the Commission

12 Scientific lectures and discussions 13 President of CCl

13 Review of previous resolutions and recommendations of the 15 Vice president of CClCommission and of relevant Executive Council resolutions

II. “PINK” series

1 Opening of the session 1 President of CCl

2 Organization of the session 2 President of CCl

3 Review of previous resolutions and recommendations of theCommission and of relevant Executive Council Resolutions 16 Vice president of CCl

4 Development of climate application methodologies for various socio- 8 Chairman,economic sectors Committee B

5 Climate Information and Prediction Services (CLIPS) 7 Chairman,Committee B

6 Scientific lectures and discussions 14 President of CCl

7 Reports of the CCl working groups and rapporteurs 4 President of CCl

8 Election of officers 17 Chairman,NominationsCommittee

APPENDIX C

LIST OF DOCUMENTS

Doc. AgendaSubmitted by

No.Title

item

9 Climate system monitoring 5 Chairman,Committee A

10 Climate data management 6 Chairman.Committee A

11 Report by the president of the Commission 3 President of CCl

12 Guide to Climatological Practices and Technical Regulations 10 Chairman,Committee A

13 Participation of women in the work of the Commission 11 Vice president of CCl

14 Priorities for the future work of the Commission 9 Chairman,Committee of theWhole

15 Capacity building 12 Chairman on item 12

16 Priorities for the future work of the Commission 9 Chairman,Committee of theWhole

17 Election of officers 17 President of CCl

18 Priorities for the future work of the Commission 9 Chairman,Committee of theWhole

19 Consideration of the report on credentials 2 President of CCl

Date and place of the thirteenth session 18

Closure of the session 19

ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE TWELFTH SESSION OF THE COMMISSION FOR CLIMATOLOGY42

Doc. AgendaSubmitted by

No.Title

item

RECENT WMO PUBLICATIONS

Reports

WMO No.

734 — Annual Report of WMO, 1989.1

736 — Regional Association VI (Europe). Abridged final report ofthe tenth session, Sofia, 8–15 May 1990.2*∆

743 — Commission for Atmospheric Sciences. Abridged finalreport of the tenth session, Offenbach, 17–26 April 1990.1†

746 — Annual Report of WMO, 1990.1

751 — Commission for Basic Systems. Abridged final report of theextraordinary session, London, 24 September–5 October 1990.1*∆

755 — Regional Association I (Africa). Abridged finalreport of the tenth session, Bamako, 29 November–7 December 1990.4

774 — Annual Report of WMO, 1991.1

775 — Commission for Agricultural Meteorology. Abridgedfinal report of the tenth session, Florence, 2–13 December1991.1

783 — Regional Association II (Asia). Abridged final report of thetenth session, Tehran, 5–16 September 1992.5•∆

784 — Commission for Basic Systems. Abridged final report of thetenth session, Geneva, 2–13 November 1992.1∆

787 — Annual Report of WMO, 1992.1

789 — Commission for Hydrology. Abridged final report of theninth session, Geneva, 5–15 January 1993.1

791 — Commission for Climatology. Abridged final report of theeleventh session, Havana, 15–26 February 1993.1*

792 — Commission for Marine Meteorology. Abridged final reportof the eleventh session, Lisbon, 19–30 April 1993.1

793 — Regional Association IV (North and Central America).Abridged final report of the eleventh session, Mexico City,12–21 May 1993.3

797 — Regional Association III (South America). Abridged final report of the eleventh session, Asunción, 22–30September 1993.3

800 — Annual Report of WMO, 1993.1

807 — Commission for Instruments and Methods of Observation.Abridged final report of the eleventh session, Geneva, 21February–4 March 1994.1

WMO No.

808 — Commission for Atmospheric Sciences. Abridged finalreport of the eleventh session, Geneva, 5–14 April 1994.1

811 — Regional Association V (South-West Pacific). Eleventhsession, Nouméa, 18–28 May 1994. Abridged final reportwith resolutions and recommendations.4

812 — Regional Association VI (Europe). Eleventh session, Oslo,2–13 May 1994. Abridged final report with resolutions andrecommendations.2

815 — Commission for Basic Systems. Extraordinary session,Helsinki, 8–18 August 1994. Abridged final report withresolutions and recommendations.1

818 — Commission for Aeronautical Meteorology. Tenth session,Geneva, 10–21 October 1994. Abridged final report withresolutions and recommendations.1

820 — Regional Association I (Africa). Eleventh session, Gaborone,14–25 November 1994. Abridged final report with resolu-tions and recommendations.6

824 — Annual Report of WMO, 1994.1

825 — Commission for Agricultural Meteorology. Eleventh session,Havana, 13–24 February 1995. Abridged final report withresolutions and recommendations.1

836 — Annual Report of WMO, 1995.1

851 — Regional Association II (Asia). Eleventh session, Ulaanbaatar,24 September–3 October 1996. Abridged final report withresolutions and recommendations.7

852 — Commission for Hydrology. Tenth session, Koblenz,2–12 December 1996. Abridged final report with resolu-tions and recommendations.1

854 — Commission for Basic Systems. Eleventh session, Cairo,28 October–7 November 1996. Abridged final report withresolutions and recommendations.1

859 — Annual Report of the World Meteorological Organization,1996.1

860 — Commission for Marine Meteorology. Twelfth Session,Havana, 10–20 March 1997. Abridged final report of thetwelfth session (1997).8

868 — Regional Association IV (North and Central America).Abridged final report of the twelfth session (1997).9

________

1 Publication issued in English, French, Russian and Spanish. * English out of print.2 Publication issued in English, French and Russian. • French out of print.3 Publication issued in English and Spanish. ∆ Russian out of print.4 Publication issued in English and French. † Spanish out of print.5 Publication issued in English, Arabic/English, Arabic/French, French and Russian. ‡ Arabic/English out of print.6 Publication issued in Arabic, English and French. Arabic/French out of print.7 Publication issued in Arabic, Chinese, English, French and Russian.8 Publication issued in Arabic, English, French, Russian and Spanish.9 Publication issued in English, French and Spanish.

Other publications issued by the WMO Secretariat are: Basic documents, operational publications, reports andproceedings of Congress and the Executive Council, WMO guides and the WMO Bulletin.