A Call for an Architecture for Space-based Observation of Climate

1. A Call for an Architecture for Space-based Observation of Climate Barbara J. Ryan DirectorWMO Space Programme

2. Overview • A Look Back • Motivation • Building Blocks • Coordination

3. Five Years Ago . . . www.ceos.org . . . both satellite and in situ data are required to better monitor, characterize, and predict changes in the Earth system. While in situ measurements will remain essential and largely measure what cannot be measured from satellites,Earth-observation satellites are the only realistic means to obtain the necessary global coverage, and with well-calibrated measurements will become the single most important contribution to global observations for climate.

4. Ten Years Ago . . . “The Council recognized that there was an increasing convergence between research and operational requirements for the space-based component of the Global Observing System . . . “ and “Commitments to address those requirements would allow an evolution of the space-based component of the GOS that would help characterize the total Earth and climate system on a variety of time and space scales. . . “ From WMO Executive Council LIII, June 2001, Final Report

5. From Bates (NOAA) and Schulz (EUMETSAT)

6. Motivation • Policy framework in place (UNFCCC, IPCC) and expectations are high • Emerging national and international efforts for climate services will bring additional demands • Space-agency investments have been considerable, and need to be leveraged • There are still observational gaps and risks of gaps • Greater coordination is needed in a resource-constrained environment • While contingency measures exist for weather observations, they are still relatively lacking for climate observations • Long-term and sustained provision of observations will require additional resources and messages need to be clearer

7. Funding Estimates From GCOS IP-10 http://www.wmo.int/pages/prog/gcos/Publications/gcos-138.pdf

8. Space-based Global Observing System Schematic Modified from GEO Secretariat

9. Space-based Global Observing System Schematic Modified from GEO Secretariat

10. Research/Demo missionsplanning & implementation Instruments Calibration FCDR Satellites Orbits Operational missions planning and implementation FCDR Calibration Instruments Orbits Satellites Building Blocks or Starting with the End in Mind Observational Capabilities Requirements User Interfaces Product Generation Activities Drivers UNFCCC and IPCC reports GCOSrequirements Requirements and gap analysis Climate data and products management and access ECV related climate products and climate analysis User uptake and feedback Climate System Monitoring Transition planning Otherrequirements(e.g. GFCS) Climate prediction and services

11. Coordination • More coordination is needed for each functional component • There is no shortage of coordination mechanisms • Need to leverage existing coordination mechanisms rather than create new mechanisms

12. Summary • Both R&D and operational entities are needed for climate monitoring – many policy makers don’t know there’s a difference • Key elements or building blocks are in place for improved sustainability and delivery of climate observations and products – must leverage existing efforts • More coordination and cooperation is needed – recognizing different, but complementary roles and responsibilities