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What is GEOSS?
 
Societal Benefit Area of Disasters
Societal Benefit Area of Health
Societal Benefit Area of Energy
Societal Benefit Area of Climate
Achievements
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Societal Benefit Area of Water
Societal Benefit Area of Weather
Societal Benefit Area of Ecosystems
Societal Benefit Area of Agriculture
Societal Benefit Area of Biodiversity
  Home > GEOSS > SBA: Climate  
Climate icon  Climate

 

The issue of climate change has moved to the top of the global political agenda. However, many aspects of the global climate system are still not fully understood. Key uncertainties involve clouds, sea-level rise, the climate-carbon cycle and the impact of sulfates and other human-caused aerosols. Solving these uncertainties will assist governments to adopt more effective policies for mitigating, and adapting to, climate change.

The Group on Earth Observations is a strong advocate for sustained and coordinated climate observing systems. It is supporting an ambitious and multidisciplinary effort to strengthen the ability of governments to minimize and adapt to the societal and environmental impacts of climate variability and change.

The Global Earth Observation System of Systems will represent a quantum leap in the speed, resolution, accuracy and sophistication of weather and climate modelling and forecasting. No single country or group of countries has the resources to achieve these advances on its own, but international collaboration will advance climate research and monitoring by ensuring that national investments are coordinated and mutually supportive.

To strengthen the link between the providers and users of climate data and predictions, GEOSS will disseminate user-friendly information and decision-support tools. Meanwhile, GEO plans to build capacity for using climate and Earth observation data and products more effectively and to integrate climate-risk management into national policy frameworks for sustainable development.

To learn more, view or download the collection of Information Sheets on GEOSS and the different societal benefit and cross-cutting areas.

The GEO Secretariat Expert responsible for Climate is Alexia Massacand.

Achievements

GRACE (Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment) satellite data are being used to estimate the changes in the groundwater storage occurring as Canadian droughts develop (Courtesy of Ken Snelgrove).

GRACE (Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment) satellite data are being used to estimate the changes in the groundwater storage occurring as Canadian droughts develop (Courtesy of Ken Snelgrove).

World Climate Research Programme and Droughts

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