The Global Climate Observing System (GCOS), the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) held a joint workshop titled ‘Enhancing observations to support preparedness and adaptation in a changing climate – Learning from the IPCC 5th Assessment Report,' which aimed to enhance systematic observations and related capacity, especially in developing countries, in light of the detection of observed impacts, exposure and vulnerability to climate change, and in support of assessing the risks of climate change and adaptation planning.
12 February 2015: The Global Climate Observing System (GCOS), the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) held a joint workshop, titled ‘Enhancing observations to support preparedness and adaptation in a changing climate – Learning from the IPCC 5th Assessment Report,’ which aimed to enhance systematic observations and related capacity, especially in developing countries, in light of the detection of observed impacts, exposure and vulnerability to climate change, and in support of assessing the risks of climate change and adaptation planning.
The workshop, which took place in Bonn, Germany, from 10-12 February 2015, brought together over 70 representatives from UNFCCC parties, the scientific and systematic observation communities, and adaptation practitioners. Participants considered an integrated approach to support adaptation with the needed systematic observations.
Discussions built on the findings of the IPCC Working Group II report on impacts, adaption and vulnerability, which forms part of the IPCC’s fifth assessment report (AR5), and the outcomes from the GCOS Workshop on ‘Observations for Adaptation to Climate Variability and Change’ held in February 2013. The event included presentations by Brazil, China, Germany, Norway, Mali, the Russian Federation and Solomon Islands, who presented their perspectives focusing on national and regional adaptation needs.
Participants made recommendations on how to enable access to and use of systematic observations, coupled with relevant national data, to best support adaptation action at all levels and in different sectors, recognizing the role of GCOS, IPCC and all relevant agenda items under the UNFCCC. They also recognized the important role of national focal points and coordinators, and the need for guidance on the use of systematic observations, as well as appropriate case studies to support decision making.
As mandated by the Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice (SBSTA), GCOS will provide a report of the workshop before SBSTA’s 43rd session. [Workshop Presentations and Relevant Links] [IISD RS Sources]