Météo-France, a stakeholder in the work of the IPCC
Météo-France researchers, particularly within the CNRM (Météo-France/CNRS research unit), publish a large number of studies related to climate change every year. Many of them are evaluated by the IPCC and some are cited in the various evaluation reports.
In 2019, Samuel Morin, head of the Snow Studies Centre of the CNRM (Centre national de recherche météorologique - Météo-France/CNRS) participated as an author in Chapter 2, dedicated to high mountains, of the IPCC special report on oceans and the cryosphere. He also took part in drafting the summary for decision-makers of this special report. What are the main lessons learned? First of all, the importance of observational data to better characterise climate change is highlighted. The report points to a lack of data and knowledge, particularly on the oceans. It calls for research efforts and observation capacities to be maintained, in particular on the ocean, the cryosphere and the polar zones, in order to better characterise developments. It also highlights the challenge of collaboration and a shared vision with the regions to better identify vulnerabilities. Indeed, in order to provide relevant information to decision-makers, a close link must be maintained between scientists such as Météo-France, communities and local partners so as to be able to properly assess regions’ vulnerabilities and their impacts. In this respect, the report argues for better consideration of the timescale for prevention and warning. The question raised is that of early warning or how to better anticipate a danger in a changing climate, for better prevention. It is therefore a question of better linking forecasting and climatology for integrated services.
