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Over the last two to three decades, meteorology and hydrology have undergone a major evolution. This has been
facilitated by outstanding advances in science and technology, resulting in unprecedented volume, quality, types
and coverage of observational data, especially those made by satellites. Such advances have also led to the develop-
ment of supercomputers and numerical weather prediction systems; expanded capabilities for telecommunications
including the Internet, and the sustained coordinating and catalytic role of the World Meteorological Organization
(WMO). At the same time, the rising sophistication and strength of the world economy and international trade, the
increasing toll of natural disasters and the escalating concern for the environment, have led to an ever-increasing
demand for timely and accurate information on the present and future states of weather, climate and water resources.
Indeed, the transformation of this expanded knowledge base into concrete practical applications in the areas of
poverty reduction and increased human well-being has made considerable headway. Areas where socio-economic
benefits have been assessed include disaster prevention and mitigation, food production, water resource manage-
ment, climate change science and adaptation, pollution control, energy production, insurance and support to health,
among others. However, the exchange of this information and its successful application to sustainable socio-economic
development, environmental protection and decision-making must be further intensified if all nations are to benefit
equally from this progress. This is where the National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHS), as well as
the research and academic communities, have an additional and very crucial role to play.
Elements for Life
is being published with the intention to provide a fresh perspective on the subject by a wide range
of users of hydrometeorological information. The variety of issues included demonstrates that investments in mete-
orological and hydrological activities are very cost effective in supporting national and international efforts to enhance
human welfare and promote sustainable development.
At the same time, this publication is an expression of the coordinating efforts of the WMO and the crucial role of
the NMHS in developing and delivering essential services to the public, decision makers, the private sector and the
wider user community.
Elements for Life
documents many of these important services in qualitative and quantitative
terms and will no doubt serve as a record of the growing benefits that humanity gains from meteorology and hydrol-
ogy and the potential that these sciences hold for human welfare in the years to come.
On behalf of the WMO, I would like to express my appreciation to Tudor Rose for the initiative to publish this
volume, and for selecting and organizing the relevant articles. I am equally grateful to all the authors and institutions
that have amiably contributed to this historic publication.
Michel Jarraud
Secretary-General of the World Meteorological Organization
Foreword