G3W is moving forward
As a recent greenhouse gas monitoring initiative, the Global Greenhouse Gas Watch (G3W) had preparatory work done in 2024.
Task teams have been established to address essential priorities identified in the implementation plan. The inaugural meetings mark an important step forward, with increased expertise and collaborations, as G3W transitions into its Implementation and Pre-Operational Phase.
Progress Update: Global Greenhouse Gas Watch (G3W) Task Teams & Advisory Group Kickoff Meetings
The inaugural meetings of the Global Greenhouse Gas Watch Task Teams on Modelling (TT-G3W-Modelling) and Networks (TT-G3W-Networks) were held on November 22 and November 25, 2024, respectively. In parallel, progress continues with the formation of the Data Task Team (TT-G3W-Data). These milestones represent significant advancements in the initiative, with approximately 60 experts recruited across the three teams.
Under the leadership of Dr. Lesley E. Ott (Modelling), Dr Laurence Rouil (Data), and Dr. Prabir Patra (Networks), the teams are establishing priorities and deliverables aligned with their Terms of Reference (ToRs).
Key focus areas:
- Modelling Task Team: includes developing model requirements and system specifications in adherence to WMO Integrated Processing and Prediction System (WIPPS) technical guidelines, while ensuring integration with WMO’s broader modeling frameworks and leveraging international initiatives.
- Networks Task Team: advances global GHG observation capabilities by compiling an inventory of observation networks and requirements for the regulatory material by mid-2025 and delivering design recommendations by late 2025.
The Advisory Group on G3W (AG-G3W) held its kickoff meeting on December 13, 2024, led by Co-Chair Prof. Greg Carmichael. Discussions focused on the group’s oversight and support roles for G3W implementation, the alignment of G3W with complementary initiatives (such as the Integrated Global Greenhouse Gas Information System [IG3IS]), and the potential contributions of the private sector to sensor development and observations.
The collaborative efforts of the Task Teams, supported by the Advisory Group, are vital to ensuring the successful implementation of G3W. These efforts also align G3W with other key WMO activities to strengthen global climate action.
G3W’s Engagement with the WMO Infrastructure Commission
The G3W Task Teams (TTs) all engaged actively and closely with the activities within the WMO Infrastructure technical commission (INFCOM) to support the implementation of the G3W initiative. TT-G3W-Networks and TT-G3W-Modelling Chairs participated in and contributed GHGs elements to the INFCOM Expert Teams (ET-EOSDE) Standing Committee (SC-WIPPS), respectively (2-6 Dec 2024) to ensure alignment of the G3W activities with relevant commission bodies, reinforcing coherence and integration across WMO’s technical frameworks.
What’s Next for the Climate Monitoring Framework?
In 2025, G3W will continue to advance global greenhouse gas monitoring with two key workshops:
- G3W Global Data Providers Workshop (March 2025): Focused on engaging data providers to enhance GHG monitoring capabilities.
- G3W Global Networks Design Workshop (October 2025): Aimed at producing recommendations for designing a robust global GHG monitoring network.
These events will further strengthen the framework for monitoring global greenhouse gas emissions, enabling more effective climate action.