What is RSO?
Research and Systematic Observation (RSO) is the UNFCCC workstream that helps connect climate science, observations and data with climate policy. Under Articles 4.1(g) and 5 of the Convention, Parties 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 needs and concerns of developing countries and strengthen their scientific and technical capacities. Parties report on their research and systematic observation activities to the UNFCCC secretariat through their National Communications.
Under which body does RSO operate?
Negotiations on research and systematic observation are held under the Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technical Advice (SBSTA) – one of the five bodies of the UNFCCC Secretariat (3 governing – COP, CMA, CMP, and 2 subsidiary – SBSTA, SBI). with research usually considered at the first sessional period of the year and systematic observation at the second sessional period. 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?
Two organizations play a particularly central role in supporting research and systematic observation under the Convention. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), established by WMO and UNEP in 1988, assesses the published scientific literature on climate change and delivers periodic assessment reports (AR) that determine the state of knowledge on climate change and identify where further research is needed, providing a key scientific input to UNFCCC negotiations.
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) supports systematic observation through a wide range of scientific and technical inputs, including annual greenhouse gas bulletins and State of the Global Climate reports, and coordinates work on climate services and observing systems together with UN partners.
When do the negotiations happen?
RSO organizes two sessions annually:
- Research Dialogue (RD) – on climate research; happens every June during the Bonn Climate Change Conference (the latter is also known as the SB session).
- Earth Information Day – on systematic observation; happens every November during the COP.
For more information on the RD and the EID, including the related documents, please consult the relevant tabs above.
Page navigation
Besides the current RSO landing page, where you can find the RSO overview, RD, EID and latest updates tabs, you can also find the following pages in the Content tab on the left-hand side:
- Partners and relevant actors. On this page you can find an overview of the key partners and organizations supporting research and systematic observation under the Convention and the Paris Agreement, and their respective roles in advancing climate science, monitoring and services.
- Documents. On this page you can find four tabs for documents related to research and systematic observation under the SBSTA: Reports and Information Notes from all past RDs and EIDs; a Chronology providing a session-by-session overview of how the RSO has been considered as an agenda item at each SBSTA session; Decisions and Conclusions, compiling the formal SBSTA conclusions and COP decisions adopted under this agenda item; and RD themes addressed at each meeting of the RD.
