News

Looking up at a forest canopy

The machine learning method advising on tree planting for water sustainability

A new study shows how machine learning can identify optimal tree-planting locations, reducing flood risk and water loss.
A promotional banner for ECMWF’s “Code for Earth” initiative. It reads: “Phase 1: 24.02.2026 – 09.04.2026. Call for participation.” Below, text says: “Browse through the 2026 challenges on GitHub. Submit your proposal by 09 April 2026.” The design features a dark blue background with green and teal digital-style graphics, including an oval highlight around the word “participation.” Logos for ECMWF, Copernicus, the European Union, Destination Earth, and the European Weather Cloud appear along the bottom.

Application deadline approaches for Code for Earth 2026

Applications are closing soon for Code for Earth 2026, offering innovators the chance to develop open‑source solutions that advance earth science, data visualisation, machine learning and climate resilience.
Upward view of large balloon with supporting cables and metal framework against a blue sky.

ECMWF and Météo-France celebrate collaboration on World Meteorological Day with the Ballon Generali de Paris

On World Meteorological Day, ECMWF, Météo-France and the Ballon Generali de Paris are joining forces to show how international collaboration helps protect lives from weather and climate extremes.
A digital graphic showing a glowing blue Earth with circuit‑like lines extending across the surface, symbolizing artificial intelligence. A circular icon with the letters “AI” appears over the globe. To the right, white text reads: “Artificial Intelligence and Earth Observation: from Innovation to Services.” Along the bottom are logos for the European Commission, the EU Programme, Copernicus, Destination Earth, and the hashtag #EUSpace. Background is a dark star‑filled space scene.

Workshop on AI and Earth observation highlights rapid progress in AI for weather and climate

Experts from across Europe gathered in Brussels and online to explore how artificial intelligence and machine learning are transforming Earth observation, weather prediction and environmental services.
Photo of Meghan Plumridge in front of plants. In the background are flagpoles and flags.

From geology to GPUs: supporting machine learning at ECMWF

To celebrate International Women's Day, Meghan Plumridge, User Support Specialist for Machine Learning shares how a background in geology led her to machine learning at ECMWF.
A weather chart showing pressure systems and rainfall over the North Atlantic and Western Europe, with coloured precipitation areas and labelled storm tracks.

ECMWF’s portable global forecasting model OpenIFS now available for all

OpenIFS is now open source, expanding global access, accelerating innovation and strengthening collaboration.
A promotional graphic for the “Code for Earth” initiative. ark blue and teal background with abstract geometric shapes. Large text reads “Call for participation,” with the word “participation” highlighted inside a green oval with small circular accents. A green label at the top left shows “Phase 1” and the dates “24.02.2026 – 09.04.2026.” The top right displays the “Code for Earth” logo. Along the bottom are logos for ECMWF, the European Union, Copernicus, Destination Earth, and the European Weather Cloud.

Code for Earth launches 2026 climate and weather data challenges

ECMWF’s 2026 edition of the Code for Earth programme opens with fresh data-driven challenges, from wildfire decision tools to AI evaluation, plus a new Africa-focused stream.
Promotional graphic featuring a digital rendering of Earth with glowing technological circuitry and an 'AI' icon at the center. A yellow banner across the top reads 'In-person registration is closed.' Text on the right announces the event 'Artificial Intelligence and Earth Observation: from Innovation to Services,' taking place 9–10 March 2026 in Brussels and online. Along the bottom are logos of the European Commission, Copernicus, Destination Earth, and the EU Space initiative.

Copernicus and Destination Earth jointly host workshop on artificial intelligence and Earth observation

The Copernicus and Destination Earth joint workshop will explore how AI, machine learning, big data and digital twins can transform Earth observation services, strengthen programme synergies, and support future monitoring and modelling capabilities.
Laurence Rouil headshot

A mathematical mind shaping the future of atmospheric monitoring

Laurence Rouil, Director of CAMS, reflects on her unconventional path from applied mathematics to atmospheric science and shares advice on curiosity, collaboration and confidence for women and girls pursuing careers in STEM.
ECMWF Winter 2026 newsletter cover with global weather map background.

Winter 2025/26 Newsletter published 

The ECMWF winter 2025/26 Newsletter is available to read.

Earth graphic on dark blue background with white text that reads Destination Earth third phase. Logos of the EU, ECMWF, ESA and EUMETSAT sit above the Earth and text

Third phase of Destination Earth confirmed

The European Commission has confirmed Phase three of Destination Earth (DestinE), strengthening Europe’s weather and climate prediction capabilities.
Dark blue background overlaid with the ecmwf logo and white text that reads 'upcoming events in 2026'

ECMWF’s 2026 events programme focuses on AI, data assimilation and forecasting

Discover ECMWF’s 2026 events programme and join experts and forecast users in workshops, training courses, and webinars.
An orange-themed graphic featuring a large planet-like sphere in the center, resembling Jupiter with swirling patterns of beige and brown. At the top, the text “2025” is visible. The bottom section includes several logos: the European Union flag with “Programme of the European Union,” the Copernicus logo, the Climate Change Service logo, the Atmospheric Monitoring Service logo, and the ECMWF logo. The background is a gradient of warm orange tones.

2025 was the third-warmest year on record, Copernicus data show

The Global Climate Highlights report shows that 2025 was only marginally cooler than 2023, and that the past three years (2023–2025) have averaged more than 1.5°C above the pre-industrial level.
Florian Pappenberger sat in the ECMWF Council Chamber

New Director-General puts collaboration, innovation, computing and people at the heart of ECMWF

Florian Pappenberger took up his new role as ECMWF Director-General on 1 January 2026.

Map of world coloured in blue

News highlights 2025

Highlights from across 2025, including the launch of AIFS, opening ECMWF’s entire Real-time Catalogue to all, global and European climate insights, digital twins and a leadership transition in ECMWF’s 50th anniversary year.
ECMWF's 50th anniversary image showing flags of participating nation states

Closing ECMWF’s 50th anniversary

ECMWF concluded its 50th anniversary year with three days of events in Reading, UK, bringing together Member States, partners and former leaders to reflect on key scientific advances, showcase European progress in machine learning, and celebrate five decades of collaboration and innovation.
David Lavers stood by books

Following the water across a changing planet

From Europe’s rivers to Pacific field campaigns, David Lavers’ work follows the movement of water through the atmosphere and oceans, improving forecasts and climate monitoring through global collaboration and targeted observations.
Blue background with circular Clean Air Forum logo. The logo features cartoon urban environment. In the middle is "EU Clean Air Forum" written in white with the date and location underneath.

ECMWF co-hosts EU Clean Air Forum

ECMWF and the Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service are co-hosting the fifth Clean Air Forum in Bonn, Germany, bringing together scientists, policymakers and industry to assess progress to reduce exposure to air pollution and explore how scientific advances support Europe’s clean-air ambitions.
ECMWF's 50th anniversary image showing flags of participating nation states

Reading hosts final events marking ECMWF’s 50th anniversary

ECMWF’s year-long 50th anniversary celebrations will conclude next week (1–3 December) in Reading, UK, with a series of events and the launch of two new publications.