Home / Science / China Builds Its Own Weather Data, Cuts EU Reliance
China Builds Its Own Weather Data, Cuts EU Reliance
23 Dec
Summary
- China aims to end reliance on European ERA5 climate data.
- Homegrown CMA-RA V1.5 dataset now available globally.
- Meteorological data is vital for China's national security.
China is actively pursuing meteorological independence by developing its own high-value climate datasets, aiming to reduce reliance on European resources like the ERA5 benchmark. This initiative aligns with Beijing's broader goals of technological self-sufficiency and national security, particularly as artificial intelligence transforms weather forecasting capabilities.
The European ERA5 dataset, a product of complex climate reanalysis, has been instrumental for decades in understanding climate trends and managing risks like floods and wildfires. However, China perceives this dependence as a potential vulnerability, prompting a dedicated push for domestic alternatives. This move underscores the strategic importance of meteorological information.
In response, China has made its updated global reanalysis, CMA-RA V1.5, accessible worldwide. This signifies a significant step in establishing a homegrown alternative. Some Chinese AI models are already being trained on this domestic data, indicating progress in their ambition to lead in AI-powered weather forecasting.
