GCOS Implementation Plan - WMO

Implementation Plan for the Global Observing System for Climate in Support of the UNFCCC
(2010 Update)
Action C8 [IP-04 C10]
Action: Ensure continuity and over-lap of key satellite sensors; recording and archiving of all
satellite metadata; maintaining appropriate data formats for all archived data; providing data
service systems that ensure accessibility; undertaking reprocessing of all data relevant to climate
for inclusion in integrated climate analyses and reanalyses, undertaking sustained generation of
satellite-based ECV products.
Who: Space agencies and satellite data reprocessing centres.
Time-Frame: Continuing, of high priority.
Performance Indicator: Continuity and consistency of data records.
Annual Cost Implications: Covered in the domains.
3.5. Integrated Climate Products
3.5.1. Generation and Use of Products
While observations of the climate variables are an essential pre-requisite, the users in need of climate
information generally require analysed outputs and products. Thus developing analysed products for
all ECVs is vital; these products should always include information on the uncertainty inherent in the
analysis. Experience has shown that detecting trends in products can be problematic and that the
independent generation of a number of high-quality single-source datasets as well as integrated
products is needed to ensure reliable conclusions. While the Parties are supporting a number of
analysis centres for certain variables, additional operational analyses are required. International
coordination of these activities is highly desirable to take advantage of scientific and technological
advances, avoid duplication, and promote efficiency, complementarity and cooperation rather than
competition. There are also too few analysis centres that are integrating observations of variables
related to one another using data from different instruments or using other data or products to warn of
potential issues. For example, the detection of sea ice from microwave emissivity might benefit from
analyses of atmospheric surface temperature to indicate the occurrence of wet ice.
At the same time, it is important to recognise that alternative analysis approaches are required to
verify the accuracy and stability of the various outputs for specific variables. It is therefore essential for
analysis centres to ensure thorough intercomparison of their products and some use of common
methodologies and verification approaches so as to allow insight into errors and help product users to
be aware of product differences.
Recognizing these issues, the GCOS Steering Committee has recently developed guidelines for the
generation of datasets and products meeting the GCOS requirements. 56 These guidelines are
intended to help producers of climate-relevant datasets and products to provide users with all the
information they need to assess the suitability and maturity of the datasets and products for their
particular applications.
Agencies and institutions supporting observing systems for climate should encourage as well as
support the adoption of these guidelines, and thereby maximize the value of the datasets and
products so generated for the user community. This would include support to international scientific
expert groups undertaking critical comparisons of available datasets and products in a particular field
or providing guidance on the generation of new products. Further, international programmes and
bodies should widely publicize the guidelines, and encourage their adoption.
Action C9
Action: Achieve adoption of the GCOS dataset and product guidelines; critical comparison of
datasets/products and advice on product generation for all ECVs by the climate community.
Who: Parties’ national agencies, working with key international coordination bodies, such as
CEOS, GEO, IGBP, and IPCC Task Group on Data and Scenario Support for Impact and Climate
Analysis (TGICA), and coordinated through GCOS and WCRP.
Time-Frame: Wide adoption by 2011 and ongoing.
Performance Indicator: Level of adoption of guidelines; number of datasets stating adoption of
guidelines; number of ECVs for which routine intercomparison arrangements are in place.
Annual Cost Implications: 1-10M US$ (20% in non-Annex-I Parties).
56 GCOS (2010): Guideline for the Generation of Datasets and Products Meeting GCOS Requirements, GCOS-143, WMO/TD-
No. 1530, http://www.wmo.int/pages/prog/gcos/Publications/gcos-143.pdf
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