World Meteorological Organization (WMO)

WMO is the United Nations system’s authoritative voice on the state and behaviour of the Earth’s atmosphere, its interaction with the land and oceans, the weather and climate it produces and the resulting distribution of water resources. 

As weather, climate and the water cycle know no national boundaries, international cooperation at a global scale is essential for the development of meteorology and operational hydrology as well as to reap the benefits from their application. WMO provides the framework for such international cooperation for its 193 Member States and Territories.

WMO’s mandate relates to the areas of meteorology (weather and climate), operational hydrology and related geophysical sciences. WMO has a powerful role in contributing to the safety and welfare of humanity by fostering collaboration between its Members’ National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHSs) and advancing the application of meteorology and hydrology in many societal and economic areas.

WMO regulates and facilitates free and unrestricted exchange of data and information, products, and services in real- or near-real time. This is critical for applications relating to the safety and security of society, social and economic welfare, and the protection of the environment. WMO standards and policies contribute to policy formulation in these areas at national and regional levels.

The Organization plays a leading role in international efforts to monitor and protect the climate and the environment. In collaboration with other UN agencies and NMHSs, WMO supports the implementation of UNFCCC and a number of environmental conventions and is instrumental in providing advice and assessments to governments on related matters. These activities contribute towards ensuring the sustainable development and well-being of nations.

 

How does BRS contribute to a more sustainable fashion industry?

The fashion industry is highly vulnerable to climate variability and environmental pressures across its value chain — from cotton cultivation and textile production to logistics and retail. The World Meteorological Organization provides science, data, and services that are essential to building resilience and sustainability in the sector, including: 

  • Climate and Water Intelligence for Raw Materials: supporting sustainable sourcing by delivering authoritative data on rainfall patterns, drought, and water availability. This is critical for natural fibres such as cotton, hemp, or wool, whose production depends on reliable water and climate conditions.
  • Early Warnings for Supply Chain Resilience: the Early Warnings for All initiative helps anticipate extreme weather events (heatwaves, floods, storms) that disrupt textile production hubs and global logistics. Strengthening preparedness reduces economic and social losses across the fashion supply chain.
  • Monitoring Greenhouse Gases and Environmental Impacts: the Global Greenhouse Gas Watch enhances transparency in tracking emissions, helping industries — including fashion — to meet their climate pledges and align with net-zero targets.
  • Energy and Climate Services for Decarbonization: developing tailored climate services to support the renewable energy transition, helping fashion companies reduce dependence on fossil fuels across production and distribution.
  • Global Standards and Capacity Building: coordinating international data and standards that underpin sustainability metrics, enabling governments and industries to adopt science-based policies and practices for water efficiency, pollution reduction, and climate adaptation.

By integrating WMO’s authoritative climate and hydrological intelligence into planning and operations, the fashion industry can reduce its environmental footprint, adapt to a changing climate, and build resilience into its supply chains. WMO’s contribution strengthens the Alliance’s mission to align fashion with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Agreement.