On 15 May the Year of Polar Prediction (YOPP) was officially launched by the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO). From mid-2017 to mid-2019, scientists and operational forecasting centres from countries around the globe will jointly undertake intensive observation, modelling, forecast verification, and user-engagement activities in the Arctic and Antarctic.
This two-year international effort, which aims to close existing gaps in polar forecasting capacity, will lead to better forecasts of weather, sea-ice conditions, and climate, thus improving future environmental safety at both poles. Improved forecasts in polar regions are also expected to result in better predictions for lower latitudes, where most people live. The Year of Polar Prediction was initiated by WMO in response to rapid polar climate change and related transformation of societal and economic activities.
SPARC coordinated research on atmospheric chemistry and dynamics over the poles represents an essential contribution to YOPP, see for instance the Polar Stratospheric Clouds activity and the Polar Climate Predictability Initiative, amongst others.