GCOS Implementation Plan - WMO

Implementation Plan for the Global Observing System for Climate in Support of the UNFCCC
(2010 Update)
Of particular importance to support adaptation planning and the provision of national climate services
in developing countries of all sizes are the observations related to measuring the local climate and the
availability of water (e.g., surface temperature, precipitation, river runoff), as well as related to coastal
marine sites including tide gauges. In contrast to the IP-04 which simply noted an extra need for
regional and national-scale observations, this Plan, in responding to current UNFCCC needs, makes
a first step by recommending specific Actions to that end (cf. Actions A3, O2, O9, T7, T17). The
absolute extent of the need for such observations is hard to estimate, but by assuming that
developing countries will need national and regional observation densities comparable with those
currently found in the most economically-advanced developed countries, which are arguably
adequate for adaptation planning, this Plan estimates the cost of achieving comparable basic
meteorological and hydrological network coverage in all countries. Judging by the relevant network
sites recognised internationally, this would for example be achieved on average by roughly doubling
the number of surface meteorological sites in non-Annex-I countries (see Action A3).
Additional regional detail to this Plan could be achieved through a specific call to non-Annex-I Parties
to report on their climate observing systems and related needs and on the costs to address these
needs.
3. Over-Arching/Cross-Cutting Actions
3.1. Planning, Reporting and Oversight
3.1.1. International Planning
The individual component observing systems and International Data Centres almost all operate within
their own plans, procedures, standards and regulations coordinated by the Agents for Implementation
(see section 2.2 and Appendix 5). This Plan calls on all Agents for Implementation to adjust their
activities to respond to the Actions contained in this Plan.
Action C1
Action: Participating international and intergovernmental organizations are invited to review and
update their plans in light of this document in order to ensure they better serve the needs of the
UNFCCC.
Who: International and intergovernmental organizations.
Time-Frame: Inclusion in plans by 2011 and continuing updates as appropriate.
Performance Indicator: Actions incorporated in plans.
Annual Cost Implications: 47