Changing climate is heightening the need for improved information related to weather. Traditionally, Russia has not many such satellites operating in space and therefore has not had the capability to provide up-to-date weather forecasting. But that picture is changing with the launch of a new satellite into space.

As RIA Novsti reported, "The Elektro-L 1 was designed to provide meteorologists with a wide variety of data, including weather analysis and forecasting on a global and regional scale. It also monitors changes in the climate. The satellite should be able to image the entire visible hemisphere of Earth at a resolution of 1 km per pixel (visible light band) and 4 km (IR band), every 30 minutes."

The Russian SPUTNIK Server provides information on the current numbers and types of such satellites that the country has in space.

More recently we are beginning to see the development of personal and mobile weather monitoring applications for use with Smartphones and other mobile devices. Recent flooding in Vietnam, Pakistan and Australia is undoubtedly supporting the need for more useful information, particularly predictions. 

The Global Hydrology and Climate Centre of NASA also provides global information gathered through weather monitoring satellites.

As Russia proceeds to launch new meteorological satellites, China is also likely to follow as that country pursues greater investment in the development of food production technologies. These capabilities will support the broader use of precision agriculture as well as the immediate needs for predicting natural disasters related to climate.