Global Climate Observing System (GCOS)

The Global Climate Observing System (GCOS) is co-sponsored by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO, the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (IOC-UNESCO), the United Nations Environment Programme (UN Environment), and the International Science Council (ISC). It regularly assesses the status of global climate observations of the atmosphere, land, and ocean, and produces guidance for their improvement. 

GCOS expert panels maintain definitions of “Essential Climate Variables,” (ECVs) which are required to systematically observe Earth’s changing climate. The observations supported by GCOS contribute to solving challenges in climate research and underpin climate services, adaptation and mitigation measures.