The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) are set to gather international experts in Geneva from September 28-30, 2026, to examine the risks facing radio frequencies used by meteorological services, Earth observation, and early warning systems. The radio spectrum is a vital resource for systems that observe the Earth's atmosphere and surface. Satellites, radars, radiometers, and other sensors use various frequency bands to measure temperature, humidity, precipitation, and oceanic conditions.
These data are used to produce weather forecasts, monitor climate change, manage water resources, and feed early warning systems for hazardous phenomena. A degradation in the quality of observations due to radio interference can have significant consequences for the reliability of forecasts and alerts. The issue becomes more complex with increasing demand for frequencies for telecommunications, satellites, and other radio services. The global observation ecosystem is evolving with new detection technologies and constellations of small satellites providing environmental data.
The seminar will bring together meteorological authorities, spectrum regulators, scientists, industry professionals, and international organizations. Discussions will focus on future frequency needs, interference risks, new observation technologies, and commercial environmental data. The event will also prepare for future World Radiocommunication Conferences, including the 2027 and 2031 conferences. A new manual on the use of the radio spectrum for meteorology, climate, water, and environmental applications will be launched.
The manual, developed by ITU and WMO, will serve as a reference for meteorologists, spectrum managers, regulators, and radiocommunication specialists. It outlines the technical and operational characteristics of meteorological systems, their frequency needs, and the risks associated with interference. For ITU and WMO, protecting these frequencies is crucial not only for telecommunications management but also for the ability of global infrastructures to observe the Earth and anticipate hazardous weather phenomena.
The increasing demand for frequencies and the growing complexity of the global observation ecosystem necessitate a coordinated approach to managing the radio spectrum. ITU and WMO are working together to ensure that the needs of meteorological services and other users of the radio spectrum are taken into account. The Geneva seminar will provide a platform for stakeholders to discuss the challenges and opportunities in this area.
Effective management of the radio spectrum is essential for maintaining the reliability of weather forecasts and early warning systems. ITU and WMO are committed to working with their member states and other stakeholders to address the challenges facing the radio spectrum. The outcome of the Geneva seminar will inform future discussions on the management of the radio spectrum and its implications for meteorological services and other users.
The ITU-WMO seminar is a critical step towards ensuring that the radio spectrum continues to support the delivery of essential services such as weather forecasting and early warning systems. Key stakeholders will engage in discussions that will shape the future of radio spectrum management and its impact on global observation and alert systems.
Key points
- ITU and WMO to convene international experts in Geneva from September 28-30, 2026.
- Radio spectrum is a vital resource for meteorological services, Earth observation, and early warning systems.
- New manual on the use of the radio spectrum for meteorology, climate, water, and environmental applications to be launched.
