Recent developments in the
UNFCCC process in relation to
global observations
4th GTOS Steering Committee
Paris, 1-2 December 2009
Rocio Lichte
Programme Officer
Adaptation, Technology and Science Programme (ATS)
UNFCCC Secretariat
rlichte@unfccc.int
http://www.unfccc.int
Outline
• SBSTA: Research and systematic observation
• Examples of other areas of work under the
Convention with needs for data and observations:
SBSTA: Nairobi work programme on impacts,
vulnerability and adaptation to climate change
(NWP)
Bali Action Plan: Identified needs for data and
information
• Some suggestions how further enhancing the work on
observations can further support the UNFCCC
United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
GTOS activities in UNFCCC context (1):
SBSTA: Research & systematic observation
Mandates:
COP 9, Milan, Dec 2004: decision 11/CP.9
Invites the sponsoring agencies of the GCOS, and in particular those of the
GTOS, in consultation with other international or intergovernmental agencies,
as appropriate, to develop a framework for the preparation of guidance
materials, standards and reporting guidelines for terrestrial observing systems
for climate, and associated data and products, taking into consideration
possible models, such as those of the WMO/IOC Joint Commission for
Oceanographic and Marine Meteorology, and to submit a progress report to
COP 11.
SBSTA 23 (Dec 2005)
•
welcomed efforts by the GTOS secretariat to develop a framework for the
preparation of guidance materials, standards and reporting guidelines for
terrestrial observing systems for climate and encouraged the GTOS to continue
its work.
•
called on the GTOS secretariat to assess the status of the development of
standards for each of the essential climate variables in the terrestrial domain.
→ Invitation to GTOS secretariat to report on progress
United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
GTOS activities in UNFCCC context (2):
SBSTA: Research & systematic observation
GTOS Progress reports and updates on:
 Assessing the status of the development of standards for the
ECVs in the terrestrial domain
 A framework for terrestrial climate-related observations
Received at SBSTA 26 (May 2007, Bonn), SBSTA 27 (December 2007, Bali),
SBSTA 29 (December 2008, Poznan) and SBSTA 30 (June 2009, Bonn)
Feedback from SBSTA 27:
 Welcomed progress and encouraged to finalize assessment of terrestrial
ECVs;
 Welcomed efforts and encouraged further development of the framework,
according to given criteria (use of existing institutional bodies and
processes; scientifically sound basis; allow for involvement of governments;
free and unrestricted access; cost-effectiveness and flexibility)
United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
GTOS activities in UNFCCC context (3):
SBSTA: Research & systematic observation
Feedback by SBSTA 30 and follow-up activities (June 2009, Bonn):

Welcomed proposal for joint terrestrial framework mechanism
between relevant UN agencies and ISO;

Encouraged its implementation;

Invited GTOS to elaborate a work plan for developing observational
standards and protocols for the 13 terrestrial ECVs assessed;

Report on the results (implementation of framework and work plan
for ECVs) at SBSTA 33 (Nov 2010).
United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
SBSTA 30 (June 20090 | Research and systematic observation
REPORTS considered and follow-up activities
•
GCOS: Report on Progress with the GCOS Implementation Plan (IP)
 A provisional updated implementation plan in conjunction with a provisional estimation
of costs by COP 15 (Dec 2009)
 An update of the GCOS implementation plan, including a breakdown of costs involved
by SBSTA 33 (Nov. 2010)
•
CEOS: Updated report on progress by space agencies involved in global
observations in implementing actions in response to the GCOS IP
 Coordinated implementation of the cross-cutting space-based components of
GCOS encouraged to continue, incl. coordinated response to GCOS IP through CEOS
 Continue development of methodologies for satellite-based applications for the terrestrial
domain
 Work on improved availability of data for forest carbon monitoring welcomed
 Report on the progress in efforts made in meeting the relevant needs of the Convention
by SBSTA 33 (Nov. 2010)
•
GTOS: (see previous slide)
DRAFT DECISION on Systematic climate observation recommended for
adoption by COP 15 (Copenhagen)
United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
SBSTA and COP | Research and systematic observation
Main elements of draft COP decision for adoption at COP15:
GCOS: Parties and relevant UN agencies and international organizations
to address the priorities identified in GCOS IP progress report, in
particular: Regional action plans and ensuring a sustained long-term
operation of in-situ networks, especially for the oceanic and terrestrial
domains
GCOS invited to update the GCOS IP taking into account emerging
priorities, such as data needs for adaptation (by SBSTA 33, Nov 2010)
GTOS (secretariat and the sponsoring agencies) encouraged to implement
the framework for the preparation of guidance materials, standards and
reporting guidelines for terrestrial observing systems for climate, as a joint
terrestrial framework mechanism between relevant UN agencies and ISO
CEOS: encouraged to continue coordinating and supporting
implementation of the satellite component of the GCOS, as well as
actions in CEOS report, in particular on long term continuity of observations
and data availability
United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
Upcoming SBSTA (31) - Research and systematic
observation AND COP 15 (Copenhagen, Dec 2009)
Decision on Systematic climate observation
→ Expected to be adopted by COP 15
SBSTA: Availability of provisional updated GCOS
Implementation Plan in conjunction with a provisional
estimation of costs (FCCC/SBSTA/2009/MISC.12)
In addition, WMO invited to provide information on the
outcome of WCC-3 to inform the work under the
Convention
United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
SBSTA│ Nairobi work programme on impacts,
vulnerability and adaptation
Needs, recommendations and priority areas for further work related to
climate data and observations
•Despite considerable progress made to improve the provision of knowledge,
information and data in many countries, limits in the coverage and length of data
records still hinder robust risk assessment and management decisions
•Provision of incentives and continued support for enhancing observation
systems and for collecting and disseminating data
•Improving availability, accessibility and relevance of climate data at
appropriate spatial and temporal scales, including climate observations and
scenario data; meteorological parameters; socioeconomic data; geographic data,
national statistics; agricultural data; information on natural resources
•Enhancing the effectiveness and adequacy of early warning systems
•Enhancing technical capacity for data processing and analysis
United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
Negotiations under the Bali Action Plan towards Copenhagen |
Needs for data and observation in the adaptation context
Issues under consideration
A global framework/programme of action on adaptation
– Supporting the supply and availability of climate information, tools, methods and
models, particularly in the most vulnerable countries
– Sharing knowledge, information, data and experience among stakeholders and
utilizing the services of relevant institutions
– Enhancing or developing the needed information and knowledge base (biophysical
and socioeconomic), including enhancing observations and data
Provision of means to planning and implementation of adaptation
actions at all levels
Support to capacity building for adaptation, including systematic
observation, collection, archiving & analysis of data
Establishing regional centres and networks i.a. to coordinate and
disseminate information related to systematic observation and impacts
and response modeling, for improved vulnerability and adaptation
assessments
United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
Some suggestions how enhanced work on (terrestrial)
observations can further support the UNFCCC
– Addressing issues identified under SBSTA and COP with respect to
GTOS (implementation of framework and ECVs)
– Addressing needs & priorities identified in GCOS progress report in
relation to the terrestrial domain
• Ensuring sustained long-term operation of in-situ networks,
especially for the oceanic and terrestrial domains
• Sustaining (terrestrial) climate observations over the long term in
developing countries, especially in LDCs and SIDS
– Addressing emerging needs & priorities relevant for adaptation
activities (data & knowledge base)
• Under the Nairobi Work Programme
• Under the expected Copenhagen agreement
United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change