Description :
This session will provide an overview the latest GCOS assessment of the status of global climate observations, and the outline of the new implementation plan, which identifies gaps and improvements to be made over coming years. Climate observations supported by GCOS contribute to solving challenges in climate research and also underpin climate services and adaptation measures. GCOS is the main source of requirements and definitions for monitoring our changing climate. The Panel will discuss how to make progress on the big thematic themes of the status report and the new IP: sustainability in observations, gaps in geographical coverage, data stewardship, archiving and access and new needs and requirements.

Chair and keynote: Han Dolman, GCOS Chairman, Director of Royal Netherlands Institute of Sea Research (NIOZ)

Clément Albergel, ESA
Thomas Lavergne, Norwegian Meteorological Institute
Carlo Buontempo, Copernicus Climate Change Service
Further panellists - TBC