This symposium is expected to contribute to the development of an efficient and sustained international space-based Earth observing system. It will bring together international experts in climate observations, research, analysis and modeling, with a particular emphasis on the role of space-based Earth observations, in order to advance knowledge of the current climate at global and regional scales, and in assessing climate models. The symposium will discuss the current state of climate science and climate observations in order to evaluate recent achievements, determine objectives to be realized with satellite-based climate information, and identify gaps in the current space-based component of the climate observing system. A proposed architecture for sustained climate monitoring from space will be discussed.
The conference will also consider how Earth observation contributes to future developments in climate prediction and climate change projection, and is expected to contribute to climate-related risk management, and affordable mitigation and adaptation options. The symposium will create a joint action plan for an enhanced international space-based climate observing system, which will respond to current and emerging needs in climate research, modeling and services.
Other key themes to be discussed include: clouds, circulation and climate sensitivity; the changing water cycle; cryosphere in a warming world; ocean circulation and regional sea level rise; prediction and attribution of extremes; and regional climate variability and change. The symposium is being sponsored by the European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites (EUMETSAT), the World Climate Research Programme (WCRP), the European Commission, the European Space Agency (ESA) and the City of Darmstadt, among others.  

dates: 13-17 October 2014  
venue: Darmstadtium Science and Congress Centre  
location: Darmstadt, Hessen, Germany  
contact: Rowanna Comerford  
phone: +49 6151 807 6040  
e-mail: rowanna.comerford@eumetsat.int  
www: http://www.theclimatesymposium2014.com/index_.php/climatesymposium/index