GCOS Highlights Urgent Need to Strengthen Climate Observations at COP31
As governments and climate experts gather in Antalya for the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31), the Global Climate Observing System (GCOS) is presenting preliminary findings from its latest assessment of the global observing system for climate and the urgent actions needed to address growing observational risks. Detailed information is provided in the GCOS Status Report and the GCOS High-Priority Action Plan, both of which are open for public review until 27 November 2026.
GCOS participates in the opening segment of Earth Information Day on 9 November 2026 with a joint presentation alongside the Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS) presenting the status of Essential Climate Variables (ECVs) monitoring, observational gaps and priority responses, with a focus on recent developments in ocean observations.
On 10 November 2026, there is a high-level side event organized by the UNFCCC Secretariat and dedicated to GCOS entitled “State of the Global Climate Observing System: Partnerships and support to close observation gaps”.
The event brings together government representatives, scientific experts and international partners to discuss critical gaps in global climate observations and mobilize coordinated action to sustain both essential observing infrastructure and the international coordination mechanisms, including GCOS, that underpin effective climate monitoring and informed climate action. Parties and organizations are invited to endorse the declaration by completing this short form.
The findings presented by GCOS at COP31 underline a clear message: climate observations are fundamental to understanding climate change, supporting adaptation and mitigation efforts, and strengthening early warning systems, but they are at risk. Sustained investment and international cooperation are needed to protect existing observing capabilities, close critical gaps, safeguard climate data and ensure that all countries can benefit from robust and accessible climate information.
Watch the brand-new GCOS video and learn why climate observations matter more than ever
