Future Climate Change Research and Observations:
GCOS, WCRP and IGBP Learning from the IPCC Fourth Assessment Report

• "Warming of the climate system is unequivocal, as is now evident from observations of increases in global average air and ocean temperatures, widespread melting of snow and ice, and rising global average sea level" (Summary for Policy Makers, IPCC WG1, Fourth Assessment Report, Feb 2007).
• "The scientific evidence is now overwhelming: climate change presents very serious global risks, and it demands an urgent global response." (Stern Review: The Economics of Climate Change, Nov 2006).

In the context of urgent demands for action on global warming, the World Climate Research Programme (WCRP), the Global Climate Observing System (GCOS), and the International Geosphere-Biosphere Programme (IGBP) are co-hosting this Workshop in Sydney, Australia, 4-6 October 2007, in conjunction with and immediately following the “Greenhouse 2007” Science and Technology Conference. The Workshop is crucial in defining both climate observing strategies and climate research directions for the next decade and beyond.

Participation is by invitation only and will be restricted to no more than 50 experts on climate change, impacts and policy. A position paper will be issued as soon as input is complete. The results of the Workshop will be used by GCOS, WCRP and IGBP in determining future requirements for climate change research and observations.