ICSU and GTOS

Paul Cutler, ICSU

GTOS SC, 30 Nov-2 Dec 2009

Acknowledgement: G. Glaser, D. Chen

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What does ICSU expect from GTOS?To re-focus and step up its efforts to develop the global terrestrial observing system needed for:

•enhanced research, modelling, and prediction (e.g., through the Global Environmental Change Programmes) •assessments (e.g., IPCC, IPBES [Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services]) •policies to mitigate global environmental change (UNFCCC, CBD, UNCCD, etc), and •action to adapt to ongoing global environmental change.

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Earth system research visioning process – 3 steps

Goal: to engage the scientific community to explore options and to propose implementation steps for a holistic strategy on the Earth system research. This strategy will both encourage scientific innovation and address policy needs.

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Research Priorities Meeting Paris, 30/09/09 to 01/10/09

•MEETING OUTCOME•~Five Challenges for Earth System Research, including: •Develop the observation systems needed to manage Global Change•Integrated natural and social sciences research – observation systems to include georeferenced socio-economic data

(comment period beginning in December)

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International Polar Year (IPY) observing legacy

•Sustaining Arctic Observing Networks (SAON) with an Integrated Arctic Ocean Observing System (iAOOS)•Pan-Antarctic Observing System (PAntOS) with a Southern Ocean Observing System (SOOS)•The Global Cryosphere Watch (GCW)•Polar Climate Outlook Forum (PCOF)•Polar Satellites Constellation (PSC)

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World Data System-WDC and FAGS legacy

Serve Global Observing Systems• GTOS...• GEO/GEOSS

Enable Interdisciplinary research (integrating social and natural sciences)• International Polar Year (IPY)• Integrated Research on Disaster Risk (IRDR)• Programme on Ecosystem Change and Society

(PECS)• DIVERSITAS

Serve discipline-based research

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ICSU’s voice in support of GTOS (the need for GTOS has

never been stronger)ICSU has recently called for strengthening GTOS (GCOS, GOOS) in the following fora:

•World Climate Conference 3•UNESCO General Conference•Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD)•UNEP Governing Council•GEO Plenary

To get there…

•Strategic Plan

•MoU

•Clearly defined SC role

•Strengthened Secretariat

•GEO/GEOSS – GTOS relations

•ICSU role (to be examined by ICSU)

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