Researchers from Germany and Switzerland, including the Swiss Empa, have made a significant step in weather and climate studies. The ICON weather and climate model is now available for everyone to use for free. This model helps scientists predict changes in weather and climate more accurately. By sharing ICON as an open-source tool, it aims to make science more open and improve scientific research in areas affected by climate change.

ICON uses advanced computer simulations to forecast the weather and climate conditions in the coming days. It’s a collaboration between various research institutions and national weather services, including MeteoSwiss and ETH Zurich in Switzerland, and several German organizations. This partnership has led to more effective weather forecasts and climate predictions, benefiting both researchers and the public.

The open-source release of ICON allows scientists worldwide to contribute to and enhance the model. It supports a wide range of uses, from weather forecasting to studying the entire Earth’s climate system. This move is seen as crucial for building trust in scientific research and encouraging more collaborative efforts in the science community.

The ICON model not only forecasts weather but also studies different aspects of the Earth, like ocean currents and air quality. It can be customized with additional features without altering its core code, promoting innovation in scientific research. The model’s components, including those for predicting air quality and analyzing greenhouse gases, are all part of the open-source release, opening new possibilities for environmental research and innovation.

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