ERA5 Global Climate Data is a comprehensive atmospheric reanalysis tool providing a detailed record of the global climate from 1940 to the present. It combines vast amounts of historical observations into global estimates using advanced modelling and data assimilation systems. For finance professionals, it serves as a foundational source of high-resolution meteorological data to assess historical trends and physical climate risks.

Organisation behind the tool

The tool is developed and maintained by the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) on behalf of the Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S), which is implemented by the European Commission.

What the tool does

• Provides hourly estimates of various atmospheric, land, and oceanic climate variables.
• Offers a horizontal resolution of approximately 31km and covers 137 atmospheric levels.
• Enables users to download historical climate data including temperature, precipitation, wind speed, and pressure levels.
• Provides a consistent global dataset that bridges gaps in observation-poor regions through data reanalysis.

Target audience

The primary users include climate scientists, meteorologists, and researchers. It is also increasingly used by policymakers and industry professionals in sectors such as energy, agriculture, and financial services.

Relevance to finance professionals

• Risk assessment – Quantitative analysis of historical weather extremes to model potential future exposure to physical hazards such as flooding or heatwaves.
• ESG analysis – Provision of granular environmental data to support climate-related financial disclosures and physical risk reporting.
• Market/commodity insights – Assessment of historical weather patterns affecting agricultural yields, hydropower availability, and energy demand.
• Investment context – Analysis of long-term climate trends to inform infrastructure project viability and real estate valuations.