Geneva: The World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the United Nations' specialized agency for weather, climate, and water, is grappling with a significant budget shortfall that threatens its ability to fulfill its global mission. Established in 1951, the WMO plays a crucial role in coordinating international efforts to monitor and predict weather patterns, providing essential data for disaster preparedness and response.
As of August 2025, the WMO reported outstanding membership dues totaling approximately 48 million Swiss francs (about $60 million), accounting for two-thirds of its annual budget. The United States alone is responsible for over 30 million Swiss francs ($38 million) of this debt. This financial strain has led to the WMO's decision to implement cost-cutting measures, including the elimination of 26 positions and a reduction in travel expenses.
In response to these challenges, the WMO has established a task force to reassess its priorities and operations. Scheduled to begin its work in January 2026, the task force will focus on optimizing the organization's activities to align with available resources. This review comes at a critical time, as the world faces an increasing frequency of extreme weather events linked to climate change.
The WMO's financial difficulties occur against the backdrop of broader UN reforms and escalating climate-related threats. Developing countries, particularly those lacking robust early warning systems, are especially vulnerable to the impacts of climate disasters. The WMO's ability to support these nations is now in jeopardy due to the funding shortfall.
The United States' delayed payments are partly attributed to the previous administration's stance on international agreements and organizations. Under President Donald Trump, the U.S. withdrew from several UN bodies and the Paris Climate Agreement, citing concerns over cost and effectiveness. While the current administration has re-engaged with the UN, the financial obligations remain unmet.
The WMO's upcoming strategic review will be pivotal in determining how the organization can continue to fulfill its mission amidst financial constraints. The integration of technologies such as artificial intelligence into weather prediction models may offer new avenues for enhancing forecasting capabilities. However, without adequate funding, the WMO's capacity to implement such innovations and support vulnerable populations remains uncertain.
As the global community confronts the realities of climate change, the need for a well-funded and effective WMO has never been more urgent. The outcomes of the upcoming review and subsequent funding decisions will have far-reaching implications for global climate resilience and disaster preparedness.