UNECE Industrial Accidents Convention CoP-13
The 13th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP-13) to the UNECE Industrial Accidents Convention convened international experts and policymakers to tackle pressing challenges in industrial safety and disaster risk management.
The WMO Regional Office for Europe emphasized the critical need for advancing early warning systems to safeguard water resources and ecosystems during its participation at COP-13.
Addressing the delegates, Mrs. Berghi from the WMO Regional Office for Europe highlighted how climate change and industrial activities are intensifying the risks of accidental water pollution. She noted that extreme weather events, such as floods and droughts, increase the likelihood of hazardous materials entering water systems, endangering both ecosystems and communities.
“Through initiatives like the Hydrological Status and Outlook System (HydroSOS), WMO supports authorities in managing these risks,” stated Mrs. Berghi. “HydroSOS provides real-time hydrological data and forecasts, enabling swift, informed responses to potential contamination events. The system is especially vital for regions prone to climate-related hazards. Data saves lives.”
COP-13 also focused on broader challenges under the theme of natural hazard-triggered technological disasters (Natech) and the industrial safety aspects of the energy transition. These discussions underscored the critical intersections of industrial safety, disaster risk reduction, and climate change—areas where WMO plays a leading role.
Mrs. Berghi added, “WMO’s Early Warnings for All (EW4All) initiative reduces risks and fosters sustainable development by strengthening risk knowledge, monitoring and forecasting capabilities, communication, and response mechanisms. Collaborative efforts with partners like the UNDRR, the UNECE Water Convention, and the Convention on Industrial Accidents ensure a comprehensive approach to reducing risks.”
She reiterated the WMO Regional Office for Europe’s commitment to these partnerships, emphasizing the need for greater investments in observation systems, cross-border data sharing, and capacity-building initiatives.
As Mrs. Berghi noted, recent floods in Valencia and other extreme weather events serve as stark reminders of the interconnected risks communities face today.
Through collaborative efforts, innovative tools, and global outreach, the WMO is dedicated to building a future where no community is left unprepared. The upcoming global seminar on early warning systems, industrial accident notification systems, and pollution remediation, scheduled for the second half of 2025, will serve as a platform to strengthen Members' capacities in developing multi-hazard comprehensive early warning systems for both natural and technological disasters.
As the international community looks ahead to the 2025 seminar and beyond, the WMO calls for collective action to prevent accidental water pollution and advance sustainable development worldwide.