12 October 2010: The World Climate Research Programme (WCRP) has released a review of its workshop on “Metrics and Methodologies of Estimation of Extreme Climate Events,” which took place from 27-29 September 2010, in Paris, France.

The workshop was attended by 132 people from 32 countries, with breakout groups on: data requirements and availability; representation of extremes in models; and methods for estimating extremes across areas and disciplines. Participants agreed on a common goal of providing improved datasets and model capabilities on variability and extremes. They proposed various activities, including: improving high resolution datasets; sustaining observation systems; evaluating how well models represent extremes; determining the main phenomena responsible for extremes; improving understanding of physical processes; and building a community of climate scientists and statisticians working together. These recommendations will be included in a white paper to be developed based on the workshop discussions.

The WCRP was established in 1980, under the joint sponsorship of the International Council for Science (ICSU) and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), and, since 1993, has also been sponsored by the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). [WCRP Press Release] [Workshop Website]