The CEOS-CGMS Working Group on Climate (WGClimate) has successfully completed the coordination and compilation of the “Space Agencies’ Response to the 2022 GCOS Implementation Plan”. This formal response represents a major collaborative effort by CEOS and CGMS agencies to address the evolving needs of the Global Climate Observing System (GCOS) and to support the objectives of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
The 2022 GCOS Implementation Plan (GCOS-244), submitted to the UNFCCC and GCOS sponsors, outlines a set of priority actions to strengthen global Earth system observations over the next 5–10 years. It emphasizes sustainability, filling observational gaps, improving data quality and accessibility, and addressing emerging scientific and policy needs. The plan builds upon findings from the 2021 GCOS Status Report and adopts a more streamlined and action-oriented format than previous versions.
WGClimate coordinated inputs from across the CEOS and CGMS members, resulting in a comprehensive set of agency responses to 48 actions related to satellite observations. These responses were developed using a tiered approach across 2023 and 2024, addressing observation continuity, emerging gaps, and data accessibility across the atmospheric, oceanic, and terrestrial domains.
Throughout the process, WGClimate engaged closely with the GCOS Secretariat and panels, incorporating their feedback to ensure that the responses were relevant, clear, and aligned with GCOS priorities. The final document showcases the technical expertise and global coordination required to maintain a fit-for-purpose climate observing system.
This achievement underscores the leadership of CEOS and CGMS in delivering sustained, high-quality satellite observations that are essential to understanding and responding to changes in the Earth system. Looking ahead, the response will be updated in early 2026 to reflect new developments in satellite missions and to inform the next GCOS Status Report, scheduled for release in 2027.
Wenying Su, WGClimate Chair
On behalf of WGClimate
