About GCOS

A large hurricane viewed from space with distinct spiral cloud patterns and a visible eye, set against the Earth's horizon and the sun peeking over the edge.

GCOS regularly assesses the status of global climate observations and produces guidance for improving them. GCOS works towards a world where climate observations are accurate and sustained and access to climate data is free and open.  

GCOS expert panels maintain definitions of Essential Climate Variables (ECVs). They identify gaps by comparing the existing climate observation system with these ECVs. ECVs are the observations required to systematically observe Earth`s changing climate. The expert panels regularly develop plans on how to sustain, coordinate and improve physical, chemical and biological observations.

The observations supported by GCOS contribute to solving challenges in climate research and also underpin climate services and adaptation measures.

More on GCOS

A row of wind turbines against a clear blue sky with scattered clouds.

GCOS History
A person in a striped shirt and pink hat bends over to work in a flooded rice field, with green mountains and cloudy skies in the background.

Systematic Observations Under UNFCCC

Organisation and Governance

Partners and Contributors

Contact Us

For all questions related to the GCOS Programme please fill out our contact form.
If your questions are related to the work done within the panels, you can contact directly the scientific officer.

(Recommend to use the contact form to reduce spam to your emails).

For AOPC: ctassoneatwmo [dot] int (ctassone[at]wmo[dot]int)
For OOPC: bmiguezatwmo [dot] int (bmiguez[at]wmo[dot]int)
For TOPC: abombelliatwmo [dot] int (abombelli[at]wmo[dot]int)