Dubai – In the wake of a forthcoming major telecommunications conference, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has made a significant appeal to safeguard essential radio frequency bands critical for Earth observation and meteorological operations.

According to World Meteorological Organization (WMO), Petteri Taalas, featured in the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) News magazine, the integrity of these radio frequency bands is vital for a vast array of Earth-monitoring systems and their protection from interference remains a high priority. This statement arrives as a precursor to the World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-23) set to revise regulations governing the usage of radio spectrum and satellite orbits globally.

Prof. Taalas underscored the fundamental role these frequencies play in supporting the infrastructure for weather, hydrological, and related environmental services that span satellites, weather radar, and other critical observation instruments. The WMO Secretary-General stressed the reliance of safety protocols, property, and early warning systems on these services, which are pivotal for preparing citizens and emergency responders for severe weather events.

The WRC-23, organized by the ITU, will commence on November 20 and extend until December 15 in Dubai, where updates to the Radio Regulations—a key international treaty—are expected to be made. The ITU News Magazine has already published content in anticipation of the conference, focusing on Earth observation and its role in science services.

In tandem with the upcoming event, ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin highlighted the importance of radio networks in driving sustainable practices and the conference’s potential in advancing global efforts. She also linked the conference’s themes to the UN Secretary-General’s initiative, Early Warnings for All, which aims to provide life-saving alerts against climate hazards to the entire global population by 2027. The ITU News Magazine edition delves into the importance of space-based science services for climate monitoring and the building of a resilient world.

The WMO, through its collaborative efforts with the ITU Radiocommunication Sector (ITU–R), has stressed the significance of the relationship between meteorology, early warning systems, and digital technologies. A position statement produced by WMO’s Expert Team on Radio Frequency Coordination has identified pressing agenda items for WRC-23, particularly those pertaining to meteorological and climate monitoring, such as the measurement of sea surface temperature and space weather observations.

These topics are slated for discussion at the WRC-23, where national administrations will play a key role in supporting the continuation and enhancement of these essential services.