ECMWF is pleased to contribute to the GEO Symposium 2026 and welcomes the focus on “Investing in Earth Intelligence for a Resilient Future.” This aligns closely with our mission to transform Earth observation (EO) data into actionable intelligence that delivers tangible socio-economic benefits for society.

As one of the world’s largest users of satellite data, ingesting over 800 million observations daily into our forecasting system, ECMWF is probably one of the biggest users of satellite data. We recognize that observations alone are not enough, value is created in data transformation into reliable, accessible and decision-ready information. Through supporting our 35 Member and Co-operating States and their national meteorological services, and partnerships with WMO and the European Commission, we enable the effective use of EO data to protect lives, strengthen economies and support more resilient societies.

Advances in numerical weather prediction highlight the societal impact of Earth intelligence. Early warnings are critical in reducing disaster risks, evidence shows that just 24 hours’ notice of hazardous events can reduce socio-economic damage by up to 30% (Global Center on Adaptation). These capabilities also support key sectors such as energy, agriculture, transport and finance in optimising operations and managing risk.

ECMWF plays a central role in delivering the European Union’s Copernicus services, including the Climate Change Service (C3S) and the Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS). These provide open, free and trusted data that underpin policy, investment, and innovation. Their economic return is significant: flagship datasets such as C3S’ global reanalysis, ERA5, demonstrate at least a tenfold return on investment, enabling wide-ranging applications across science, industry, and public services, including the development of AI-driven weather forecasting models. C3S data is already used today by the banking and insurance sector to help inform its decisions and strategies on climate risks, as illustrated by our collaboration with the European Investment Bank.

Beyond C3S and CAMS, ECMWF contributes to a broader ecosystem of EO-based services, including flood and fire forecast computing under JRC’s Copernicus Emergency Management Service (CEMS). Through Destination Earth (DestinE), implemented with ESA and EUMETSAT, ECMWF has developed digital twins of the Earth to improve understanding of climate change and extreme events, supporting evidence-based policymaking.

International partnerships further extend these benefits, notably through EU’s Global Gateway initiatives such as Strenghtening Early Warning in Africa (SEWA) and the Africa Regional Centres of Excellence (ArcX), which strengthen impact-based forecasts for advice on early warning systems and innovation and digital transition as part of African – European peer-to-peer partnerships.  

ECMWF remains committed to working with GEO and EuroGEO to maximize the impact of Earth intelligence, ensuring EO data continues to generate socio-economic value and support a more resilient future for all.

Climate change is a global issue – weather has no borders – so tackling it in unison is essential.