Worldwide systematic observation of the climate system is a key prerequisite for advancing scientific knowledge on climate change.  The Convention calls on Parties to promote and cooperate in systematic observation of the climate system, including through support to existing international programmes and networks, as indicated in Articles 4.1(g) and 5 of the Convention.   A key dimension for the implementation of those Articles has been the cooperation with the Global Climate Observing System (GCOS) secretariat of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and other agencies participating in WMO's Climate Agenda. more >>

SBSTA 36 will focus on matters related to systematic observation. A research dialogue meeting will also take place.

As agreed by SBSTA 33, 34 and 35, the SBSTA is expected to consider matters related to the timing of contributions of the GCOS to the SBSTA, including with regard to progress in the implementation of the GCOS implementation plan and the adequacy of observing systems for climate. The SBSTA is also expected to consider a number of issues related to GTOS, including a report provided by the GTOS secretariat to SBSTA 35 (FCCC/SBSTA/2011/MISC.14) on progress in the development of methodologies, standards and protocols for climate-related terrestrial observations, and any updates received from GTOS on these matters.

In line with the conclusions of SBSTA 33, the Committee on Earth Observation Satellites (CEOS) has been invited to provide, by SBSTA 37, an updated report on progress made on major achievements in relevant areas (such as in relation to responding to space-related needs of the GCOS implementation plan).

COP 17 (Durban, South Africa, November-December 2011)

COP 17 adopted a decision containing guidance to the Global Environment Facility (GEF), forwarded by SBI 35, requesting the GEF i.a. to continue to provide financial resources to developing countries for strengthening existing and, where needed, establishing national and regional systematic observation and monitoring networks under the Least Developed Countries Fund and the Special Climate Change Fund (see FCCC/SBI/2011/L.41/Add.1) .

SBI 34 and 35

SBI 34 (June 2011), under its agenda item 5(c) Financial mechanism of the Convention - Other matters, considered the invitation by SBSTA 33 to discuss the funding needs for global climate observations and to explore how further support could be provided to strengthen observation networks and capabilities in developing countries, and noted the information on additional funding needs identified in the 2010 updated GCOS implementation plan. Following this consideration, SBI invited the following information to be provided for consideration at SBI 35:

• Response by the GEF to clarify in its annual report to COP 17 whether activities in decision 5/CP.7, paragraph 7(a)(iv) fall within its mandate (for activities referred to here see paragraph 230 of document FCCC/CP/2011/7);

• Submissions by Parties on support provided to developing country Parties and activities undertaken to strengthen existing and, where needed, establish national and regional systematic observation and monitoring networks (see FCCC/SBI/2011/MISC.6 and Add.1);

• Compilation by the secretariat on information provided by Parties in their submissions referred to above and from national communications from Annex I Parties (see FCCC/SBI/2011/INF.10).

SBI 35 (Nov-Dec 2011) took note of the information provided, including the affirmation by the GEF that its mandate under the Least Developed Countries Fund and Special Climate Change Fund covers the activities identified in decision 5/CP.7, paragraph 7(a)(iv).

The SBI recommended that COP 17 requests that the GEF under these two instruments continues to provide financial resources to developing countries to strengthen and establish national and regional systematic observation and monitoring networks (see FCCC/SBI/2011/L.39).

SBSTA 35 (Nov-Dec 2011)

SBSTA 35 focused mainly on matters related to the research dialogue. 

With regard to systematic observation, the SBSTA noted the report by the GTOS secretariat on progress in the development of methodologies, standards and protocols for climate-related terrestrial observations and related matters (see FCCC/SBSTA/2011/MISC.14), provided in response to the invitation by SBSTA 33. SBSTA agreed to consider this information, in conjunction with any further updates received from GTOS on this matter, as well as matters related to the GCOS, at SBSTA 36 (see FCCC/SBSTA/2011/L.27, paragraph 9).

The SBSTA also noted with appreciation the statement by the WMO on progress towards the implementation of the Global Framework for Climate Services (GFCS), and recognized the GFCS as an important initiative to underpin science-based adaptation and to support countries in meeting the challenges of climate variability and change. The SBSTA invited WMO to continue to provide information on progress in the implementation of the GFCS at future SBSTA sessions (see FCCC/SBSTA/2011/L.27, paragraphs 10 and 11).

SBSTA 33 welcomed the following reports:

• An update of the GCOS implementation plan (by the GCOS secretariat) (executive summary contained in document FCCC/SBSTA/2010/MISC.9
• A report on the results of the implementation of the framework for climate-related terrestrial observations and on the elaboration of a work plan for developing observational standards and protocols for the 13 terrestrial ECVs assessed (by the GTOS secretariat) (executive summary contained in document FCCC/SBSTA/2010/MISC.10.
• A report on progress by space agencies involved in global observations in their coordinated response to the GCOS and relevant needs of the Convention (by CEOS) (executive summary contained in document FCCC/SBSTA/2010/MISC.11).

Statements delivered by representatives of GCOS, GTOS, GOOS and on behalf of CEOS were noted with appreciation.

SBSTA urged Parties to work towards full implementation of the updated GCOS implementation plan.  GCOS secretariat was invited to report on progress made in this regard at regular basis. The timing of GCOS contributions will be considered at SBSTA 36.

SBSTA also urged Parties to support development of terrestrial standards and improving terrestrial networks in close cooperation with GTOS, and invited GTOS to report on progress in the development of methodologies, standards and protocols for climate -related terrestrial observations and related matters at SBSTA 35.

SBSTA  encouraged Parties to continue cooperation through CEOS, including through responding to the needs identified by the GCOS implementation plan. CEOS was invited to provide, by SBSTA 37, an updated report on progress made on major achievements.

Following its consideration of the information provided in the GCOS implementation plan related to additional funding requirements for meeting the essential needs for global climate observations, SBSTA urged Parties in a position to do so to provide support needed to strengthen observation networks and capabilities in developing countries.  SBSTA invited SBI to consider these funding needs at SBI 34 and also invited AWG-LCA to consider these funding needs in the context of the future financial architecture.

Issues of relevance to systematic observation were also under consideration under other agenda items, such as under the Nairobi work programme on impacts, vulnerability and adaptation to climate change.  In particular, SBSTA 33 had before it the outcomes from a technical workshop on how regional centres and networks undertaking work relevant to climate change could collaborate (Samoa, 2-5 March 2010). 

Research and systematic observation has been a regular and separate agenda item of the SBSTA since its seventeenth session (October 2002).

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