The inaugural session of the Third Pole Climate Forum (TPCF 1) and meeting of Third Pole Regional Climate Centre (TPRCC) Network convened successfully from 4-6 June 2024 in Lijiang, China, hosted by the Chinese Meteorological Administration. As a partner of the TPRCC Network, the MRI was invited to participate in the Forum.

On behalf of the MRI, Prof. Maria Shahgedanova from the University of Reading, UK, delivered a talk on the Essential Mountain Climate Variables (EMCVs). As a former member of the MRI’s Science Leadership Council and leader of the MRI Mountain Observatories Working Group, Prof. Shahgedanova’s talk drew on knowledge developed during previous MRI workshops and summarized in the publication ‘Toward a definition of Essential Mountain Climate Variables’. This knowledge is critical for the TPRCC Network, which aims to enhance meteorological and hydrological observations and forecasts across this vast mountainous region, providing essential data to stakeholders.”

The MRI’s Mountain Observatories Working Group, in conjunction with the Elevation Dependent Climate Change (EDCC) Working Group led by Dr Nick Pepin, continues to demonstrate thought leadership within the MRI community, contributing significantly to the understanding and application of EMCVs in mountainous regions. This initiative has been instrumental in catalyzing positive impacts across science, policy, and practice.

Looking ahead, the MRI and the TPRCC community plan to deepen their collaboration in defining and operationalizing EMCVs tailored to the unique environmental challenges of the Third Pole region. This collaborative effort aims to enhance resilience and sustainability efforts, delivering valuable insights to stakeholders across various sectors.

For more information on the event’s main presentations, agenda, and group photos, please visit this WMO community webpage.

Cover image by Maria Shahgedanova.