From forecasts to the future: a sci-fi journey on World Meteorological Day

Editor's note: March 23 marks the 66th World Meteorological Day, with the theme "Observing Today, Protecting Tomorrow". The World Meteorological Organization aims to celebrate the work of the global community in observing the Earth to protect communities today and build resilience for tomorrow. To mark the occasion, the China Meteorological Administration and China Daily have launched a long-form illustrated series inspired by the sci-fi film "The Wandering Earth". The story follows Liu Xiaoqiang, a maintenance worker on Earth Engine C0323, as he visits the "Museum of Countless Weather", witnessing how meteorological observations protect humanity's future.

Imagine living in the Wandering Earth era, where the planet has stopped spinning, storms have vanished, and humanity drifts through space in search of survival.

Liu Xiaoqiang, a maintenance worker, grows weary of repetitive daily tasks and questions their purpose.

One day, a mysterious message leads him to the Museum of Countless Weather, built from an abandoned observation station. Dusty instruments frozen in time tell a story of persistence in meteorological science.

Exploring the museum, Liu discovers a forgotten chapter of Earth's history: a century-long effort of continuous meteorological observation. From polar stations in extreme cold to high-altitude observatories, generations of scientists recorded winds, weather, and climate patterns, protecting lives through their vigilance.

Through these experiences, Liu understands a powerful message: "Observing today is how we protect tomorrow."