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KEY STEPS
NEGOTIATIONS
FOCUS
PROCESS
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Chronology - Systematic Observation
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2017
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SBSTA 47 / COP 23 (6-17 Nov 2017), Bonn, Germany
SBSTA 47 report
FCCC/SBI/2017/7, paragraphs 47-61, Agenda item 8: Research and systematic
observation
An  information Note was provided by the Chair of the
SBSTA to support Parties in their work on Systematic Observation at SBSTA 47, and is
referred to in the conclusions
Documents
Submissions invited by SBSTA
- Committee on Earth Observation Satellites (CEOS) and the Coordination Group for
Meteorological Satellites (CGMS)
- Global Climate Observing System (GCOS)
- World Meteorological Organization (WMO)
Statements for COP opening plenary
Statements for SBSTA opening plenary
Relevant side events
- The UN Science event, Importance of science in supporting adaptation and
mitigation under the Paris Agreement, Monday 6th November, 13.15-14.45, Meeting Room
10.
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Integrated observations for mitigation and adaptation and practical support to
Parties, hosted by GCOS and GEO, Wednesday 8th November, 13.15-14.45, Meeting Room
11. See event poster
Full details of the side events are available here
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2016
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COP 22 / SBSTA 45 (7 - 18 Nov 2016), Marrakech, Morocco
SBSTA 45 Report FCCC/SBSTA/2016/4,
paragraphs 37-46 Agenda item 8(a): Research and systematic observation.
COP 22 decision on the global observing system for climate
Submissions
GCOS
WMO
Statements given at the opening plenary
Other relevant information
The Earth Information Day- Linking Earth observation with the global
response to climate change was held at COP22, 8 November 2016, to
optimise engagement and connect information and requirements between the science community,
Party and non-Party stakeholders to benefit the intergovernmental process and Paris Agreement
implementation
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2015
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COP 21 / SBSTA 43 (30 Nov - 11 Dec 2015), Paris, France
SBSTA 43 Conclusions: Matters relating to science and review (Agenda item
8): Research and systematic observation, FCCC/SBSTA/2015/5, paragraphs 23-32
The following information was made available in advance of the session
Systematic Observation at the forty-third session of the Subsidiary
Body for Scientific and Technological Advice - Information Note by the Chair of the
SBSTA (517 kB) : summarizing the information
available for the session and identifying possible issues and opportunities for consideration
by Parties, without any prejudice towards the final results of discussions at SBSTA 43.
Information paper (781 kB) : providing
the text of all COP decisions and COP, SBSTA and SBI conclusions under the systematic
observation agenda item
Submissions
- The Global Climate Observing System (GCOS) report on the Status of the global
observing system for climate in support of the UNFCCC:
All submissions are also available on the UNFCCC submissions portal here
Statements
All statements are also available on the UNFCCC submissions portal
here
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Earlier
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2014
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COP 20 / SBSTA 41 (1 - 12 Dec 2014), Lima, Peru
SBSTA 41 Conclusions: Matters relating to science and review (Agenda item
8): Research and systematic observation, FCCC/SBSTA/2014/5,
paragraphs 33-42.
Submissions
- Global Climate Observing System (GCOS) report on progress made in the implementation of
the 2010 updated GCOS implementation plan, as requested by SBSTA 33 (FCCC/SBSTA/2010/13 , paragraph 45)
- Committee on Earth Observation Satellites (CEOS) updated report on progress made by space
agencies providing global observations in their coordinated response to relevant needs of the
Convention, as requested by SBSTA 37 (FCCC/SBSTA/2012/5 , paragraph 41)
- World Meteorological Organization (WMO) information on the outcome of the second session
of the Intergovernmental Board on Climate Services, held in November 2014, as requested
by SBSTA 39 (FCCC/SBSTA/2013/5 , paragraph 43)
Workshop
In February 2015 in Bonn, Germany, the GCOS secretariat, in collaboration with the IPCC and
the UNFCCC secretariat, will organize a workshop to identify ways to
enhance systematic observation and related capacity, especially in developing countries, to
support preparedness and adaptation in a changing climate. (FCCC/SBSTA/2013/5,
paragraph 48 and FCCC/SBSTA/2014/L.19, paragraph 6)
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2013
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COP 19 / SBSTA 39 (11-22 November 2013), Warsaw, Poland
SBSTA 39 Conclusions: Matters relating to science and review (Agenda item
8): Research and systematic observation, FCCC/SBSTA/2013/5,
paragraphs 41-48.
Submissions
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The World Meteorological Organization
(WMO) provided information on the outcome of the first session of the
Intergovernmental Board on Climate Services, held in July 2013.
WMO submission to SBSTA 39
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WMO also provided Voluntary views on Subsidiary
Body for Scientific and Technological Advice (SBSTA) (Adaptation, Development and
transfer of technologies and implementation of the Technology Mechanism, Research and
systematic observation and Issues relating to agriculture).
Key Messages of the WMO community for COP
19 and
WMO Key Messages in all UN
languages
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The secretariat of the Global Climate Observing System
(GCOS) reported to the SBSTA on progress made in the implementation of the 2010 updated
GCOS implementation plan.
GCOS submission to SBSTA 39
Side Event 13 November 2013
Dialogue with the systematic observation community on
activities relevant to the Convention more>>
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2012
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COP 18 / SBSTA 37 (26 November - 1 December 2012), Doha, Qatar
COP 18 Conclusions FCCC/CP/2012/8,
paragraphs 48-56
SBSTA 37 Conclusions FCCC/SBSTA/2012/5,
paragraphs 34-54
SBSTA 37 continued its consideration of reserach and systematic observation on the basis of
the draft text from SBSTA 36.
With regard to research, the SBSTA requested the secretariat to organize a workshop 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. To this end, Parties are invited to
submit, by 25 March 2013, their views on the content of that workshop.
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SBSTA 36
Conclusions: FCCC/SBSTA/2012/2,
paragraphs 36-39, page 10, and Annex II pages 28-29
For SBSTA 36, the GCOS secretariat provided a brief update on matters
emerging from the 2010 updated GCOS implementation plan and related GCOS activities (FCCC/SBSTA/2012/MISC.4), addressing, inter alia, the future preparations of a
third adequacy report and new GCOS implementation plan, recent regional initiatives of the
GCOS secretariat, and the publication of an update of the Satellite Supplement to the 2010
updated GCOS implementation plan.
In addition, statements on developments relevant to systematic observation were delivered by
representatives of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the Global Climate Observing
System (GCOS) and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).
At SBSTA 33, the GTOS was invited to report to SBSTA 35 on progress made on a number of
matters realting to climate-related terrestrial observations. At SBSTA 35, the GTOS
secretariat provided a summary of progress (FCCC/SBSTA/2011/MISC.14), indicating that the report invited by the SBSTA 33 would
be submitted to SBSTA 36. However, this report was not available for SBSTA 36.
SBSTA 36 took note of the view of Parties and the progress made in developing draft
conclusions under this agenda item, and agreed to continue consideration of research and
systematic observation at SBSTA 37 on the basis of the draft text contained in the annex II
of FCCC/SBSTA/2012/2.
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2011
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COP 17 (November-December 2011), Durban, South Africa
Decision
11/CP.17
COP 17 adopted decision 11/CP.17
containing guidance to the Global Environment Facility (GEF), forwarded by SBI 35,
requesting the GEF to, inter alia, 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.
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SBI 35 November-December 2011, Durban, South Africa and SBI 34, June 2011, Bonn,
Germany
Conclusions
SBI 35
FCCC/SBI/2011/17
SBI 34
FCCC/SBI/2011/7
SBI 35 took note of the information provided, including the clarification 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).
SBI 35 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/2011/17,
paragraphs 55-59).
SBI 34, 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. The SBI also 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).
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SBSTA 35 November-December 2011, Durban, South
Africa
Conclusions
FCCC/SBSTA/2011/5
SBSTA 35 focused mainly on matters related to the research
dialogue.
With regard to systematic observation, the SBSTA
took note of the summary of progress by the GTOS secretariat on
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 an 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/2011/5,
paragraph 44).
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/2011/5,
paragraphs 45 and 46).
2010
SBSTA 33, December 2010, Cancun, Mexico
Conclusions
FCCC/SBSTA/2010/13
Submissions
Statements
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GCOS, GTOS, GOOS and CEOS .
SBSTA 33 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.
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 in 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).
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2009
COP 15, December 2009, Copenhagen, Denmark
Decision 9/CP.15
COP 15 adopted a decision on Systematic climate observations, which inter alia:
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Urges Parties and invites relevant United Nations agencies and international
organizations to work towards addressing the priorities and gaps identified in the report
on progress with the GCOS Implementation Plan (FCCC/SBSTA/2009/MISC.7), in particular the implementation of the
regional action plans that were developed during 2001-2006, and ensuring sustained
long-term operation of essential in situ networks, especially for the oceanic and
terrestrial domains, including through provision of the necessary resources.
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Encourages Parties in a position to do so to support sustaining climate
observations over the long term in developing countries (especially in LDCs and SIDS);
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Invites GCOS to update, by SBSTA 33, the GCOS Implementation Plan, taking
into account emerging needs in climate observation, in particular those relating to
adaptation activities;
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Encourages GTOS 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 agencies of the UN
and ISO;
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Encourages the CEOS to continue coordinating and supporting the
implementation of the satellite component of the GCOS;
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Urges Parties that support space agencies involved in global observations to
enable continued implementation of actions identified in the updated report of the CEOS
(FCCC/SBSTA/2008/MISC.11),
in order to meet the relevant needs of the Convention, in particular by ensuring
long-term continuity of observations and data availability.
COP 15 further noted with appreciation the outcome of World Climate Conference-3 (Geneva,
31 August to 4 September 2009) organized by the WMO and its partner organizations, in
particular the decision to establish a Global Framework for Climate Services to strengthen
the production, availability, delivery and application of science-based climate prediction
and services.
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SBSTA 31
Conclusions
FCCC/SBSTA/2009/8,
paragraphs 35-42.
Submissions
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SBSTA 30, June 2009, Bonn, Germany
Conclusions
FCCC/SBSTA/2009/3,
paragraphs 43-66
Submissions
- Report on progress with the GCOS implementation plan (FCCC/SBSTA/2009/MISC.7);
- A synthesis report on national information on systematic observations for climate
(FCCC/SBSTA/2009/MISC.7/Add.1);
- A report on progress in assessing the status of the development of standards for
essential climate variables in the terrestrial domain (FCCC/SBSTA/2009/MISC.8);
- A report on progress made by space agencies involved in global observations in
implementing actions in response to the GCOS implementation plan (FCCC/SBSTA/2008/MISC.11).
Following consideration of the above reports, the SBSTA, inter alia:
- Noted the priorities stated in the GCOS progress report; and
- Invited GCOS to provide a provisional updated implementation plan in conjunction with a
provisional estimation of costs prior to COP 15.
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2008
SBSTA 29, December 2008
SBSTA 29 conclusions
Submissions
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GTOS report on progress in
assessing the status of the development of standards for essential climate variables in
the terrestrial domain, including on the framework for terrestrial climate-related
observations (see FCCC/SBSTA/2008/MISC.12).
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The CEOS updated report on
progress by space agencies involved in global observations in implementing actions in
response to the GCOS implementation plan (see FCCC/SBSTA/2008/MISC.11).
SBSTA 29 welcomed these reports and decided to defer their consideration to SBSTA 30
when it will also consider the comprehensive report on progress with the GCOS implementation
plan to be provided by the GCOS secretariat for that session.
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2007
COP 13
COP 13 in Bali (December 2007) adopted, by decision 11/CP.13, revised UNFCCC reporting guidelines on global climate
change observing system (FCCC/CP/2007/6/Add.2) to be used for the preparation of detailed reports
on systematic observations. Such reports are provided by Annex I Parties in
conjunction with their national communications and on a voluntary basis by non-Annex I
Parties. .
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SBSTA 27
At SBSTA 27 (Bali, December 2007), Parties welcomed the
progress reports by the GTOS secretariat on the assessment of the status of the development
of standards for essential climate variables in the terrestrial domain and on the framework
for the preparation of guidance materials, standards and reporting guidelines for
terrestrial observing systems for climate (FCCC/SBSTA/2007/MISC.27). The
SBSTA encouraged the GTOS secretariat and the sponsoring agencies of GTOS to continue their
work, taking into account a number of criteria in the further development of the
framework. The SBSTA invited the GTOS secretariat to report on progress to SBSTA 29.
For the full text of the SBSTA 27 conclusions see FCCC/SBSTA/2007/16.
SBSTA 27 also received an updated proposal for UNFCCC reporting guidelines on climate
change observing systems (FCCC/SBSTA/2007/MISC.26)
by the GCOS secretariat, based on comments received by scientific and government
experts. Following consideration of that proposal, Parties recommended a draft
decision containing revised UNFCCC reporting guidelines on global climate change observing
systems for adoption by COP 13.
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SBSTA 26
At SBSTA 26 (Bonn, June 2007), the secretariat of the GTOS
submitted two progress reports in response to previous mandates by the SBSTA, one on the
development of a framework for the preparation of guidance materials, standards and
reporting guidelines for terrestrial observing systems for climate, and one on the
assessment of the status of the development of standards for each of the essential climate
variables in the terrestrial domain (FCCC/SBSTA/2007/MISC.6).
In addition, the GTOS secretariat provided progress reports on both issues for
consideration at SBSTA 27.
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2006
SBSTA 25
At SBSTA 25 (Nairobi, December 2006) Parties considered a
proposal for the possible revision of the “UNFCCC reporting guidelines on global
climate change observing system” (FCCC/SBSTA/2006/MISC.12)
provided by the GCOS secretariat. The SBSTA agreed to further consider revised
guidelines at SBSTA 27 with a view of recommending revised guidelines for adoption by COP
13.
SBSTA 25 also received the report on the results of the GCOS regional workshop programme
(FCCC/SBSTA/2006/MISC.13)
and encouraged advancing implementation of the actions outlined in the regional action
plans produced under that programme.
Furthermore, the SBSTA welcomed the report by the CEOS on the coordinated response by space
agencies involved in global observations to the needs expressed in the GCOS implementation
plan (FCCC/SBSTA/2006/MISC.14)
and asked for continuation of such efforts.
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2005
SBSTA 23
SBSTA 23 (Montreal, December 2005) welcomed the following reports
received in response to earlier mandates:
SBSTA 23 expressed a number of requests to related agencies and Parties in regard to the
GCOS implementation plan, regional workshop programmes and observational needs, including:
- Inviting the GTOS secretariat to report on the progress in developing a framework
for the preparation of guidance materials, standards and reporting guidelines for
terrestrial observing systems for climate by SBSTA 26 (May 2007) and to assess the status
of the development of standards for each of the essential climate variables in the
terrestrial domain.
- Requesting the GCOS secretariat to provide a comprehensive report on progress with the
GCOS implementation plan at SBSTA 30 (June 2009).
- Inviting Parties to submit to the secretariat, by 15 September 2008, additional
information on their national activities with respect to implementing the GCOS
implementation plan.
- Inviting the GCOS secretariat to submit to the SBSTA a proposal on ways and means to
address the needs for consideration of the revision of the “UNFCCC reporting
guidelines on global climate change observing systems” at SBSTA25.
- Inviting the GCOS secretariat, in cooperation with the Regional Workshop Advisory
Committee, to report on the results of the programme at SBSTA 25.
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SBSTA 22
At SBSTA 22 (Bonn, May/June 2005), Parties welcomed the report
on progress made towards implementing the initial ocean climate observing system and
the final report on the analysis of data exchange in global atmospheric and hydrological
networks provided by the GCOS secretariat in consultation with the WMO.
SBSTA 22 also welcomed the endorsement of the 10-year Implementation Plan at the third Earth Observation Summit (February
2005) which establishes the Global
Earth Observation System of Systems (GEOSS) as an important development in
systematic observation to contribute to the enhancement of climate change research, as well
as the continuing contribution of the GCOS to this process.
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2004
SBSTA 21
In this regard, SBSTA 21 (Buenos Aires, December 2004) invited
the GCOS secretariat, in conjunction with the GCOS sponsoring agencies, to prepare a
synthesis report on how actions identified in the implementation plan have been
incorporated in the plans and actions of the GCOS sponsoring agencies. A report on
this matter (FCCC/SBSTA/2005/MISC.14) was provided by the GCOS to SBSTA 23.
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2003
COP 9 and 10
COP 9 (Milan, December 2003) adopted a decision on global
observing systems for climate ( decision
11/CP.9). Among other important issues, this decision calls for the preparation of an
Implementation Plan for the Global Observing System for Climate in Support of the
UNFCCC (hereinafter referred to as the GCOS
implementation plan) to be coordinated by GCOS in collaboration with the ad hoc Group
on Earth Observations (GEO). The decision further invites the sponsoring agencies of the Global
Terrestrial Observing System (GTOS) to develop a
framework for the preparation of guidance materials, standards and reporting guidelines for
terrestrial observing systems for climate.
The GCOS implementation plan was submitted to and endorsed by COP 10 (Buenos
Aires, December 2004) in decision
5/CP.10. The COP requested the GCOS secretariat to provide information to the SBSTA as
required, at subsequent sessions, on how the actions identified in the implementation plan
are being implemented.
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SBSTA 18
SBSTA 18 (Bonn, June 2003) considered the state of the global
observing systems for climate, on the basis of the second adequacy report
(“Second report on the adequacy of the global observing systems for climate in
support of the UNFCCC”, endorsed by SBSTA 15, prepared by GCOS).
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