28 October 2008: The Committee on Earth Observation
Satellites (CEOS) has prepared an updated report on progress by space agencies
involved in global observations in implementing actions in response to the Global
Climate Observing System (GCOS) implementation plan. The report was submitted
to the UNFCCC Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice, which
will hold its 29th session in Poznan, Poland, from 1-10 December 2008.

Created
in 1984, the CEOS coordinates civil spaceborne observations of the Earth.
Currently, 28 members (space agencies) along with 20 associates (other national
and international organizations) participate in CEOS planning and activities.
The CEOS’ progress report reviews the criticality of Earth observing satellites
for climate monitoring, understanding, prediction and attribution of causes of
climate change. The submission describes 20 high priority Climate Actions
identified by the CEOS for immediate implementation and summarizes their
current status.
These high priority Climate Actions include specific actions
for atmospheric, oceanic and terrestrial climate domains, and more general
cross-cutting actions such as, inter alia: improving international coordination
mechanisms for space-based climate observations; developing and maintaining
ongoing working relationships with GCOS; improving the accuracy and
inter-comparability of satellite observations of the Earth; and providing easy
access to climate data. Finally, the report reviews the key accomplishments
thus far and future plans. [The Submission]