AI IN SUSTAINABILITY
Red sky at night, shepherd’ s delight. Humans have been trying to predict weather for thousands of years. Beyond planning a picnic, weather forecasting can be used to cut disaster mortality, balance energy grids and support transport routing.
As climate change makes weather more extreme, there are higher stakes to contend with. Accurate, timely weather forecasts can protect people and reduce losses. As the climate continues to change, continuous forecasting and recalibration are needed to keep on top of what could happen next.
The impacts of weather forecasting Extreme weather, climate and waterrelated events caused nearly 12,000 disasters from 1970 to 2021 according to the World Meteorological Organization( WMO). Reported economic losses reached US $ 4.3tn and the death toll is at two million, with 90 % of these in developing countries.
The number of reported deaths per decade has fallen, which the WMO attributes to early warnings. However, reported economic losses have grown from US $ 183.9bn in the 1970s to US $ 1,476.2bn in the 2010s.
Climate change is increasing risks to electricity security across both generation and networks. The IEA found that without timely integration measures, including improved forecasting, power systems could jeopardise up to 15 % of wind and solar generation by 2030.
The European Organisation for the Safety of Air Navigation( Eurocontrol) analysis found that weather like windstorms can cause aviation delays. Maximum wind speeds and rates of precipitation for tropical cyclones is set to increase according to the Met Office, which could impact both passenger travel and freight. The impacts of extreme weather on ships can threaten life, property and the marine environment. The International Maritime Organization( IMO) found that the routing of shipping to avoid wave and wind resistance can reduce fuel consumption alongside reducing risks created by extreme maritime weather events.
82 October 2025