United in Science 2024

The science is clear – greenhouse gas emissions are rising, global temperatures are shattering records, and extreme weather is wreaking havoc with our lives and our economies. Urgent and ambitious action is needed to support sustainable development, climate action and disaster risk reduction. The decisions we make today could mean the difference between a future of breakdown or a breakthrough to a better world for people and the planet. United in Science 2024 emphasizes the transformative impact of new technologies and innovative approaches across weather, climate, water and related environmental and social sciences. From artificial intelligence (AI) to cutting‑edge satellite technologies and virtual realities that bridge the physical and digital worlds, scientific and technological advances are enhancing weather, climate, water and related environmental applications as well as informing strategies for responding to global challenges such as climate change and sustainable development. The report also underscores the necessity of transdisciplinary approaches that help apply science and technology in local contexts and boost their impact by embracing diverse knowledge, perspectives and experiences to co-develop and implement solutions. While significant gaps and challenges remain, enhanced collaboration across scales is essential to harness the full potential of weather, climate, water and related environmental and social sciences to ensure that their benefits are accessible to all.