1. GCOS Relevant Evolution of the Commission for Climatology
Thomas C. Peterson, President
WMO Commission for Climatology

2. CCl reorganizes every four years
New teams, new structure
Four years ago we added a Focus Area (OPACE) on Capacity Development
In March, we are proposing to combine two focus areas
Because of their success
My term as President also ends in March
GCOS SC
September 2017

3. CCl Focus Area 1: Climate Monitoring, Data and Assessment
Combining OPACE 1 on Climate Data Management and OPACE 2 on Climate Monitoring and Assessment
Essentially viewing data rescue, management, quality control, homogeneity testing and using those data for climate monitoring and assessments as part of a continuum
GCOS SC
September 2017

4. Rapporteur on developing reference observing networks and long term observing stations
 Success in demonstrating the importance of reference observations and interest in Centennial Stations
CCl, CIMO, CBS & GCOS collaborated on Centennial Stations
Mission: Provide guidance on requirements and criteria for developing reference observing networks, with special focus on climate change aspects.
Essentially work with GCOS on reference and long-term observing stations as this is part of GCOS’ mandate
CCl originally responded to a request from Ivan Cacic (President RA-VI) for guidance on reference stations
GCOS SC
September 2017

5. Success of big data and volunteer observing networks
CCl Advisor on minimum requirements for specific climate applications on using non-NMHSs and volunteer networks (sitting in CCl-MG to liaise with CSIS, WIGOS, and GCOS)
Success of big data and volunteer observing networks
E.g., CoCoRaHS Bahamas
Mission: Provide advice on minimum data and metadata requirements for specific climate applications on using non-NMHS and volunteer networks
Essentially continuing support for inexpensive observing systems
GCOS SC
September 2017

6. Expert Team on Data Rescue and Management
Success of ET on Data Rescue (I-DARE) and ET on Climate Database Management Systems (CDMS Manual)
Mission: Oversee implementation of WMO international data rescue initiative, provide guidance on projects and maintain and update CDMS specifications and user support
Essentially integrate data rescue with data management
GCOS helped support the I-DARE portal
GCOS SC
September 2017

7. Expert Team on Data Development and Stewardship
Success of TT on Homogenization
Finalizing guidelines on homogenizing data
Mission: Provide guidance on quality control, homogeneity, uncertainty, traceability and maturity of climate data, and liaise with other programmes to pursue unified approaches to manage data for climate service
Essentially, merge data homogenization into standard data management practices
GCOS SC
September 2017

8. Working Group on Climate Data Exchange
Success in passing Resolution 60 on data exchange
Which was initiated by CCl
Mission: Support implementation of and compliance with Resolution 60 (Cg-17), including through review and definitions of data requirements as well as promotion of mechanisms and incentives
Essentially this is doing what Resolution 60 specifically asked CCl to do
GCOS SC
September 2017

9. Expert Team on Climate Policy Support
Success of the Annual WMO State of the Global Climate and world weather record keeping
Mission: Support regular and high-quality WMO Climate Statements, ensure synergy with IPCC and GCOS on climate indicators, lead assessments of world records on weather and climate extremes and guide use of climate change information
Essentially oversee the annual report to insure its continued rigor as well as extreme records
September 2017
GCOS SC

10. Expert Team on Operational Climate Monitoring
Success of the Joint CCl/WCRP/JCOMM ET on Climate Change Detection and Indices and the ET on National Climate Monitoring Products
Mission: Provide guidance to NMHSs and RCCs on tools, techniques and software for operational climate monitoring and assessment related products, including the promotion of the use of remote sensed data
Essentially operationalize the two teams’ work (Research to Operations)
From the 2016
State of the Global Climate
GCOS SC
September 2017

11. And that was just 1/4th of CCl
Additional focus areas on:
Climate Services Information System (CSIS) Operations
Climate Services for Societal Benefits
Capacity Development for Climate Services
And an Implementation Coordination Team on Climate Services Information System
But these areas are tangential to GCOS
GCOS SC
September 2017

12. Thank You
GCOS SC
September 2017