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Observations are fundamental for G3W, which serve as pillars as well as modelling. They are described in detail in the concept note.  

The following action items were identified as priority activities for the advancement of implementation of G3W. These action items are organized in several blocks, covering cross-domain and cross-platform (i.e., in situ ground-based platforms and satellites) action items, followed by domain specific action items. The details of activities, performance period and connections between action items are listed in the full Implementation plan.  


magnifying glass tilted left Section 3: At a Glance


3.1. Theme: Cross-domain observing network design principles

Action O1: Create an exhaustive inventory of existing surface based GHGs measurements. 

The measures of success include: 

  • Comprehensive inventory of GHG measurements that can be used in G3W. 
  • A gap analysis comparing the variables and coverage needed for inversion models (Actions P1-P3) to the variables currently measured and their coverage.  

Action O2: Develop GHG monitoring standards and revise and reconcile existing GHG measurement requirements.  

The measures of success are inclusion of established observational requirements Observing Systems Capability Analysis and Review Tool (OSCAR) database, library of Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) guidelines and specifications of the tired network.  

Action O3: Develop a roadmap for longer-term GHG observing activities. 

The measure of success will be a long-term strategy for the sustainable observing system.  

3.2 Theme: Ground-based, near-surface, in situ measurements of GHGs (Atmosphere) 

Action O4: Address existing spatiotemporal data gaps in ground-based near-surface GHG observations (atmosphere). 

The measures of success include a network design, updated technical regulations, and a list of deployment opportunities.  

Action O5: Develop sustainable high-quality reference GHG network (Tier 1) (atmosphere). 

The measures of success include: 

  • Definition and technical regulation regarding Tier 1 network are included in the WMO Technical Regulations. 
  • Measurement guidelines/Standard Operating Procedures for highest tier network are produced.  

Action O6: Develop basic (“fit-for-purpose”) GHG network (Tier 2) (atmosphere). 

The measures of success include: 

  • Guiding documentation of “fit-for-purpose” observing system. 
  • Engagement strategy for “community of practice”. 
  • Training materials for the “community of practice”.

3.3 Theme: Vertically resolved GHG observations, in situ and remote sensing (atmosphere). 

Action O7: Expand number of sites with vertically resolved and remote-sensing GHG observations.  

The success indicator is the availability of the set annual targets for profiling observations at sites according to prescribed timeline and including specification of the deployment methods. 

3.4. Theme: Surface-Based Ocean Observations 

Action O8: Formalize and enhance a sustained surface ocean CO2 observational network.  

The measures of success are: 

  • Established governing body for Surface Ocean CO2 NETwork (SOCONET). 
  • Roadmap for sustained funding for surface ocean CO2 observations. 
  • Plan for addressing observing gaps in data-poor regions. 
  • Increased observational coverage in data-poor regions. 
  • Initiation and evaluation of value of CH4 and N2O observations at critical sentinel sites and regions (e.g., areas of high concentration and flux such as continental margins, areas of methane clathrate (frozen methane) vulnerability and exposure, and high latitudes). 

Action O9: Deliver routine global gridded products of air-sea CO2 flux.  

The measures of success include: 

  • Established governance structure for Surface Ocean CO2 Atlas (SOCAT) - as part of GOOS infrastructure under the GOOS Biogeochemistry Panel/ IOCCP. 
  • Sustained funding for surface ocean GHG data management and products. 
  • Defined spatial coverage and frequency of surface ocean CO2 observations. 
  • Demonstrated clear pathway for timely, integrated, seamless, and interoperable dataflow in the G3W. 

3.5 Theme: Space-based observations of GHGs and related variables  

Action O10: Liaise and prioritise with Committee on Earth Observation Satellites (CEOS) - Coordination Group for Meteorological Satellites (CGMS) for direct GHG observations from space. 

The following measures of success are proposed: 

  • Joint Expert Team with CEOS on GHG activities. 
  • Prioritised list of space-based GHG observations requiring continuity. 
  • Prioritised list of space-based observations of co-emitted species requiring continuity. 
  • Prioritised list of new space-based GHG observations filling observations gap. 
  • Comprehensive, documented, and consistent set of data requirements for supporting Monitoring and Verification System model inversions over land, ocean, and ice. 

Action O11: Liaise and prioritise with CEOS-CGMS for indirect GHG observations from space (required to infer GHG fluxes). 

The following measures of success are proposed: 

  • Joint expert team with GCOS/ Terrestrial Observation Panel for Climate (TOPC) and CEOS Agriculture, Forestry and Other Land Use (AFOLU). 
  • Prioritised list of space-based observations requiring continuity relevant for AFOLU –related carbon stocks, changes, and fluxes. 
  • Prioritised list of new space-based observations filling gaps relevant for AFOLU –related carbon stocks, changes, and fluxes. 
  • List of required space-based observations of Essential climate variables (ECVs) supporting the science basis in GHG Monitoring. 
  • Comprehensive, documented, and consistent set of data requirements for supporting Monitoring and Verification System model inversions. 

Action O12: Liaise and prioritise with CEOS-CGMS for required space-based observations to monitor changes in the carbon cycle in a (future) changing climate. 

The following measures of success are proposed: 

  • Prioritised list of (future) space-based observations requiring continuity. 
  • Prioritised list of (future) new space-based observations filling gaps. 
  • Report describing expected changes in the carbon cycle and how to observe them from space. 
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