The need for a better understanding of the global climate system and its variability and change are addressed in the Convention, which calls on Parties to promote and cooperate in research and systematic observation of the climate system, including through exchange of information and supporting international programmes, networks and organizations (Articles 4.1(g,h) and 5). Parties are also called upon to cooperate in improving the capacities of developing countries so that they can participate in research and systematic observation activities.

Climate change research focuses on a wide range of topics such as earth sciences, climate processes and system, climate variability, climate modelling and prediction, including extreme events; climate change impacts and vulnerabilities, including adaptation, and climate change mitigation. It also covers a broad spectrum of sectors, society, economies and ecosystems, as well as cross-cutting and interdisciplinary research. more >>

SBSTA 38 will focus its consideration on matters related to research, including the holding of a research dialogue.

By 25 March 2013, Parties are invited to submit their views on the following:

• Possible items for consideration as part of the research dialogue during SBSTA 38;
• Content of a workshop to be held by SBSTA 39 on the technical and scientific aspects of ecosystems with high-carbon reservoirs not covered by other agenda items under the Convention, such as coastal marine ecosystems, in the context of wider mitigation and adaptation efforts;
• Information on the technical and scientific aspects of emissions by sources, removals by sinks, and reservoirs of all greenhouse gases, including emissions and removals from terrestrial ecosystems such as steppe, savannah, tundra and peatlands, with a view to identifying and quantifying the impact of human activities; this information would be considered as a theme for the SBSTA 38 research dialogue, taking into account the submissions received on possible items for consideration as part of the next dialogue. Regional and international research programmes and organizations are also invited to provide such information.

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