Written question asked by Lord Hunt of Chesterton (Labour), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Marland (Conservative) on Tuesday, 24 May 2011.

Meteorology and Hydrology

Question: To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to improve in collaboration with the United Nations agencies the collection and exchange between countries of meteorological and hydrological data, including from government sources and voluntary contributions from the private sector and unofficial bodies, to improve preventative measures against natural disasters and climate change.

Answer: The real-time exchange of meteorological and hydrological data between countries is governed by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). The UK, through the Met Office, actively supports the sharing of data on a voluntary basis worldwide. As part of the UN Global Framework for Climate Services, the UK Met Office is developing operational climate services to quantify the risk of extreme events now, and in the future, to improve resilience planning to natural disasters worldwide.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 9333; 727 c419WA
Session: 2010-12
Subjects: Climate change International cooperation Natural disasters Water Meteorology
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk