Shanghai legislative authority passed the Shanghai Municipal Meteorological Regulations on Sept 27.
Approved by the Standing Committee of the 16th Shanghai Municipal People’s Congress and set to take effect on Nov 1, the regulation aims to bolster the city’s meteorological capabilities in terms of weather forecasting, disaster prevention, climate resource utilization, and public access to meteorological data.
The regulation underscores the significance of meteorological services as a fundamental public good, particularly in a coastal megacity like Shanghai. It calls for the establishment of a modern meteorological system that prioritizes technological advancement, precise monitoring and forecasting, refined services, and public satisfaction. To achieve this, the regulation mandates the integration of meteorological considerations into the city’s economic and social development plans.
The legislation emphasizes collaborative efforts among government departments, urging them to work together on meteorological issues ranging from infrastructure development and data sharing to emergency response. It promotes the use of technologies like artificial intelligence, big data, and blockchain to enhance meteorological observation, forecasting, and early warning systems, particularly for severe weather events.
The regulation encourages educational institutions to incorporate meteorology into their curricula and promote public awareness of weather-related risks and mitigation strategies. It mandates the timely dissemination of weather forecasts, alerts, and warnings through various channels, including traditional media, government websites, and public displays. In emergencies, telecommunication companies are required to send out weather alerts to their subscribers free of charge.
To minimize the impact of meteorological hazards on the megacity, the regulation outlines comprehensive measures for disaster preparedness and risk reduction. This includes establishing a meteorological disaster database, conducting risk assessments, formulating emergency response plans, and ensuring the installation and maintenance of lightning protection devices at designated buildings and facilities.
Furthermore, the regulation promotes the open sharing and application of public meteorological data. It encourages the development of data products and services tailored for various sectors, including agriculture, transportation, tourism, and finance. It also emphasizes data security and the protection of individual and organizational rights in data utilization.
Source: Shanghai Observer
,https://english.shanghai.gov.cn/en-Latest-WhatsNew/20241012/e4d3d13a8b7d402cb6256058f3e628b3.html