CEOS Strategy for Carbon Observations from Space
Abstract
The carbon cycle is central to the Earth system, and changes in the atmospheric concentrations of carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) are primary drivers of global climate change. In order to respond to climate change, there are many things we need to measure and understand about carbon and its cycling through the land, oceans and inland waters, and atmosphere. Measurements of CO2 and CH4 in the atmosphere are needed to quantify changes in emissions and greenhouse forcings. Measurements of carbon stocks on the land and in the oceans and inland waters are needed to quantify carbon storage (i.e., sequestration) and monitor climate mitigation and carbon management effects. Observations of key carbon cycling processes are needed to explain how changes are occurring and to identify the causes and consequences. A complete, integrated understanding of the changing carbon cycle and the effects of attempts to manage carbon in the environment requires an observational system that addresses all components of the carbon cycle and is optimized to integrate the information obtained. In April 2014 the Committee on Earth Observation Satellites (CEOS) released the CEOS Strategy for Carbon Observations from Space. This report responds to the needs expressed in the 2010 Group on Earth Observations (GEO) Carbon Strategy and the ambitions therein for the realization of an Integrated Global Carbon Observing System. In this report, CEOS identifies what can be achieved by better coordination of existing and future capabilities as well as those improvements that require additional resources and/or mandates beyond the present capacity of space agencies. It will be used primarily by CEOS and its member agencies to guide future actions and to provide the basis for systematic monitoring and reporting of progress towards satisfying science’s and society’s carbon information needs. This paper will provide an overview of the CEOS Strategy for Carbon Observations from Space, including the major actions recommended to 1) assure continuity of time-series observations, 2) obtain new space-based observations optimized for quantifying carbon stocks and fluxes, 3) produce high-quality data and useful data products, 4) ensure the availability and accessibility of data and data products, and 5) improve institutional and infrastructural support of carbon observations. It will emphasize the important role of CEOS and its member agencies in influencing and coordinating activities in ways that maximize the scope, coverage, accessibility and utility of carbon observations from space.
- Publication:
-
40th COSPAR Scientific Assembly
- Pub Date:
- 2014
- Bibcode:
- 2014cosp...40E3626W