UN weather Agency Cuts Jobs Amid Rising Climate Threats
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has announced that it will cut 26 posts and reduce travel as it embarks on a major restructuring, even as the planet faces accelerating climate change and more extreme weather. According to budget documents seen by Reuters, the WMO is under financial pressure as dozens of member states fall behind on their fees, placing its early-warning systems and disaster-preparedness work at risk.
The decision comes at a troubling moment: as global CO₂, methane and nitrous-oxide concentrations hit record levels, the anemic funding of key climate-monitoring institutions is viewed as a major bottleneck in efforts to anticipate and manage risks. For countries like Uganda — exposed to floods, landslides and droughts — the reliability of global warning systems is vital.
Why it matters
Early-warning systems can make the difference between a manageable weather event and a full-blown disaster.
Funding shortfalls in the WMO may reduce the timeliness or accuracy of alerts, particularly for developing countries with weaker infrastructure.
For Uganda, which relies on regional forecasts and partner support for disaster response, any weakening in global systems could increase vulnerability.
What to watch
Whether member states respond with new contributions or reforms to ease financial burdens.
Whether the WMO’s job cuts and restructuring impact real-time weather alerts for Africa and other vulnerable regions.
How national meteorological services in Africa adapt in the face of reduced global support.
