Seasonal Climate Forecasts and Adoption by Agriculture: A Review and Recommendations

Recent advances in atmospheric and ocean sciences and a better understanding of the global climate have led to skillful climate forecasts at seasonal to interannual time scales, even in midlatitudes. These scientific advances and forecasting capabilities have opened the door to practical applications that benefit society. Benefits include reduction of weather/climate related risks and vulnerability, increased economic opportunities, enhanced food security, mitigation of adverse climate impacts, protection of environmental quality, and so forth.