We would like to let you know that the Global Climate Observing System programme (GCOS) has recently published the 2022 GCOS Implementation Plan and the 2022 ECV Requirements. The GCOS Implementation Plan is a response to the findings of the 2021 GCOS Status Report, implications arising from the IPCC 6th assessment report and recent scientific studies on the climate cycles. The publication provides recommendations for a sustained and fit for purpose Global Climate Observing System. Global climate monitoring needs to cover the entire Earth system from the atmosphere to the oceans, from the cryosphere to the biosphere, and encompassing the water, energy and carbon cycles. It identifies six themes, each of them including several actions that if undertaken in the next 5-10 years, will lead to an improved Global Climate Observing System. It also aims to serve WMO Member States in addressing the challenges of climate change and the implementation of the Paris Agreement.

The actions in the Implementation Plan and the requirements were compiled by experts of the GCOS panels in consultation with their respective communities. IOCCP as GOOS Biogeochemistry Panel contributed to the update of the ECV requirements and formulation of 2022 GCOS IP actions which address the marine biogeochemistry component of the global climate observing system. The 2022 GCOS Implementation Plan and the 2022 ECVs Requirements will be presented at the United Nations Climate Change Conference COP27 in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, as well at the 2nd GCOS Climate Observation conference in Darmstadt, Germany.

You can access the 2022 GCOS Implementation Plan and the 2022 ECVs Requirements from here. See also the corresponding WMO press release here.