The State of the Global Climate Observing System

The high-level side event “The State of the Global Climate Observing System: Partnerships and support to close observation gaps” will bring together ministers, high-level representatives and international partners to address critical gaps in global climate observations and mobilize coordinated action to sustain essential observing systems.

Organized by the COP 31 Presidency, the UNFCCC secretariat, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the Global Climate Observing System (GCOS) and partners, the event will highlight the importance of sustained climate observations for early warning systems, climate assessments, adaptation and informed decision-making.

Despite their essential role, global observing systems face growing challenges, including funding uncertainties, infrastructure vulnerabilities, data continuity risks and persistent geographical gaps. The event will provide an opportunity to respond to the Call to Action: Sustaining the Global Climate Observing System, with a focus on strengthening international coordination, protecting essential observing capabilities, closing observation gaps and mobilizing long-term support.