What is RSO?
Research and Systematic Observation (RSO) is the UNFCCC workstream that facilitates the availability of the best available science to inform climate policy and action. Advances in scientific research are important in helping advance efforts in fighting against climate change, while systematic observation provides the necessary information to understand Earth systems and the changing climate. Under Articles 4.1(g) and 5 of the Convention, Parties agreed to cooperate to advance research and systematic observation, develop and maintain data archives, exchange information, and support relevant programmes, networks and organizations. This work also aims to address the research needs of country Parties, and strengthen the scientific and technical capacities of developing country Parties. Parties report on their research and systematic observation efforts to the UNFCCC secretariat through their National Communications.
Under which body does RSO operate?
Negotiations on RSO are held under the Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technical Advice (SBSTA) – one of the five bodies of the UNFCCC Secretariat. Work under RSO is also coordinated closely with other constituted bodies and workstreams on adaptation, mitigation and means of implementation and support. It also informs key processes such as the Global Stocktake and the Periodic Review of the Long-Term Temperature Goal. A compilation of decisions and conclusions related to research and systematic observation under the UNFCCC process is available here, including related information papers on research and observation. Additional information on the chronology of RSO up to 2024 can be accessed here.
Who supports research and systematic observation?
The RSO utilizes various forms and sources of scientific information and Earth observations data. It also collaborates and welcomes contributions from global, regional and national research institutions and observation community. For instance, RSO considers reports from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) assessment cycles, which assesses scientific knowledge on climate change and periodic reports from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) such as annual State of the Global Climate Reports and GHG bulletin. RSO also works closely with other UN agencies that support scientific research and institutions that directly support research or observation efforts such as the World Climate Research Programme (WCRP), Global Climate Observing Systems (GCOS), Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS) and others.
Negotiations and mandated events
Under RSO, latest scientific research is usually considered at the first sessional period of the year and systematic observation at the second sessional period. Two mandated events are also held to provide a platform for Parties to engage with the scientific and observation community as follows:
- Research Dialogue on latest scientific research and information; occurs every June during the Bonn Climate Change Conference
- Earth Information Day (EID) – on systematic observation; occurs every November during the COP session.
For more information on the previous and next Research Dialogue and EID, including the related documents, please consult the relevant tabs above.
