Weather is a large-scale phenomenon. It is therefore necessary to have cross-border cooperation for weather forecasting and warnings. The same goes for climate, which describes the average atmospheric conditions for a particular place or region. It is only when local observations are looked at in a regional or global context, that the reasons for climate variability and change can be understood. In this regard, cooperation between the national meteorological services ensures that the requisite exchange of data, knowledge and technology is maintained. It is estimated that the annual global cost of meteorology is around five billion Swiss francs. On the other hand, the estimated economic benefits amount to between 25 and 50 billion Swiss francs. This benefit is achieved partly through the cooperation between the member states of the various international organisations.

MeteoSwiss serving Switzerland

MeteoSwiss works closely with national meteorological services and international organisations in Europe and the rest of the world. Its activities ensure that international meteorological and climate-related data are made accessible. These data are made available to all providers of meteorological services, public institutes, universities, the media, the aviation industry and other branches of industry in Switzerland.

MeteoSwiss is responsible for representing Switzerland in the following international organisations and interest groups that play a central role in meteorology and climatology:

• World Meteorological Organisation (WMO)
• European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites (EUMETSAT)
• European Centre for Medium-range Weather Forecasts  (ECMWF)
• European Meteorological Network (EUMETNET)

International Affairs Division

The International Affairs Division at MeteoSwiss is responsible for the strategic and political management as well as the coordination of MeteoSwiss' international activities, within and outside the Federal Administration. It also plays a role in the implementation of international conventions ratified by Switzerland in the areas of climate and environment. This work involves collaborating with other Swiss institutions (e.g. FOEN, SDC, EMPA, numerous universities etc.) and coordinating the national implementation of international programmes such as the

• Global Atmosphere Watch (Swiss GAW/GCOS Office)
• Global Climate Observing System (Swiss GAW/GCOS Office)

MeteoSwiss contributes, through these activities, to the development of national and international regulations, and supports their implementation.

MeteoSwiss engages in international projects, supporting developing and emerging countries in the fields of meteorology and climate.