Developing Indo-Pacific capability
Weather is global, so our work extends beyond Australia's national borders. Sharing our strong capability benefits our neighbours, the region and the world.
The quality of observations in each country affects the accuracy of global forecasts. Building capability in developing countries means better weather forecasts for everyone. It also delivers economic, social, safety and security benefits.
Why we focus on the Indo-Pacific
The Indo-Pacific is the most disaster-prone region in the world. About 90% of the disasters are weather-related. Tropical cyclones, tsunamis and floods affect our neighbours across the region.
Better observations and forecasts can help. This enables countries to predict and better manage the impact of weather, water, climate and oceans.
Our work in the Indo-Pacific helps to save lives, strengthen economies and promote regional security. We are guided by the Weather Ready Pacific initiative. This is the Pacific’s flagship program for strengthening meteorological capacity in the region.
Delivering training and expertise
We provide training in climate science, hydrology and meteorology. This includes training meteorologists from Indo-Pacific agencies in our Graduate Diploma of Meteorology.
We also share technical, scientific, operational and governance expertise across the region.
In Papua New Guinea, a Bureau volcanologist and Matupit field guides explore possible locations for a camera on Rabaul Volcano, part of an early warning system to support aviation and safety
Climate and oceans support in the Pacific
Improved climate, ocean and tidal data helps Pacific Island communities to build climate and disaster resilience.
The Climate and Oceans Support Program in the Pacific (COSPPac) is a key example of how we work with Pacific countries to meet climate challenges. With support from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, we work with Pacific partners to:
- collect data and build tools that can forecast and report on climate, tides and the ocean
- make sure this information is communicated to communities, businesses and governments.
This helps to protect communities and support industries and livelihoods.
Other examples of our international development work
Supporting energy transition in Southeast Asia
We're supporting the clean energy transition in Southeast Asia through a 2-year project (2024–26). Funded by DFAT, this involves building capability for:
- renewable energy resource assessments, using weather observations and reanalyses
- solar forecasting for hours and days ahead, based on satellite and ground-based observations
- long-range forecasts for energy applications, focused on solar, wind and rainfall.
The transition to net-zero emissions is at the forefront of Australia's diplomatic, economic and development relationships in our region. We're collaborating with:
- Indonesia's Meteorological, Climatological and Geophysical Agency (BMKG)
- Viet Nam Meteorological and Hydrological Administration (VNMHA)
- regional energy system and market operator representatives.
Assisting Papua New Guinea's weather service
In Papua New Guinea, we're part of an Australian Government effort to support the National Weather Service.
Working with partners, we're helping to restore the infrastructure used to gather observations. We also provide training to strengthen the skills of meteorologists, improve governance and support strategic planning.
This contributes to safer and more efficient air, land and sea transport across the country – promoting economic and social wellbeing.
These efforts also benefit our national security, by promoting stability and safety in our region. For more information, view our National security page.
Supporting regional air travel
We also support the safety and affordability of air travel in the region, assisting national agencies to make aviation weather forecasts.
When volcanoes erupt, we provide expertise on ash distribution. Learn about volcanic ash advisory centres on our current website – we're still building this new one.