China unveils roadmap to boost climate services with technology

China has unveiled a plan to build a modern climate service system by 2030, with a strong focus on innovation and digital intelligence to bring key areas to world-class levels.

The plan, issued by the China Meteorological Administration, calls for major progress during the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-2030) in technological independence, digitized operations, scenario-based services and integrated platforms to enhance climate services.

The country will establish a national-provincial data-sharing network and a coordinated working framework so that any update made at one level is instantly available across the entire system, according to the plan.

National-level institutions will take the lead in technology research and development, platform construction and standard setting.

They will also develop Earth system models and AI-based climate prediction tools, according to the plan.

Provincial weather services will zero in on detailed local monitoring, impact evaluation and customized forecasting, and risk assessment.

They will also protect climate resources, carry out feasibility studies and tailor their products to fit the specific needs of different regions.

City- and county-level offices will apply national and provincial products locally, establish their own procedures and norms, and provide climate monitoring and prediction services suited to their administrative areas, according to the plan.

Over the next five years, the plan outlines 19 priority tasks aimed at strengthening five areas, including Earth system monitoring, independent climate prediction and disaster risk assessment, sector-focused services, basic support infrastructure and institutional reforms for high-quality development.

China has already deployed advanced technologies such as drone swarms for typhoon observation and AI-driven early warning models.

These tools have benefited not only China but also communities worldwide by improving early warning and disaster preparedness.