Predict better, respond stronger: Chinese expert shares key approach for handling climate disasters

The ocean, with its immense heat capacity, plays a pivotal role in regulating typhoon intensity and global climate change. As global climate change intensifies, predicting and assessing ocean and climate extreme events has become a paramount global concern. Enhancing forecasting capabilities is essential for effective marine disaster prevention and mitigation. 

During the 2024 Global Ocean Development Forum, the Ocean and Climate Early wArNing Universal System (OCEANUS) was unveiled. This system is a landmark achievement of the Ocean to Climate Seamless Forecasting System (OSF) program, which is led by the First Institute of Oceanography (FIO), the Ministry of Natural Resources of China.

OCEANUS currently covers four subsystems: global ocean numerical forecast, marine coral reef bleaching warning, maritime search and rescue forecast, and offshore oil spill response. In the future, typhoon forecast and climate prediction subsystems will also be launched.  

"Through scientific research, we have discovered some methods that can greatly improve the ability to predict and simulate climate. We can improve the prediction ability by about 50 percent. With this improved precision, we can inform people earlier whether this year is a cold year or a warm year, whether we'll have more floods or droughts this year," said Qiao Fangli, deputy director general of the FIO.

By substantially improving the prediction and forecasting of oceans, typhoons and climate, this forecasting system represents a major Chinese contribution to global ocean disaster prevention and reduction.

(Cover designed by Li Yueyun; video filmed by Wang Hongjie; video edited by Zhao Ying)