The IPCC recognizes that continuing and systematic Earth observations are an essential tool for improving our understanding of climate change, improving our ability to predict changes at the global and local levels, and for tracking the changes as well as efforts to adapt to change. NOAA is a global leader in promoting global collaboration on Earth Observations, and is committed to implementing a Global Earth Observation System of Systems (GEOSS). GEOSS brings together, and synthesizes, a broad range of existing observing systems, including the Global Climate Observing System and the Global Ocean Observing System. It is these systems, and their component parts, that have made the science underlying the IPCC reports possible. Their continued existence and enhancement will be essential to our future ability to fully understand, predict, and adapt to anticipated climate change.

Other Research Programs for Marine and Coastal Impacts:

The NOAA Climate Observation and Analysis Program serves every sector of the Nation's economy and delivers the data and information to enable effective environmental stewardship for the benefit of the nation, both domestically and internationally.

Office of Climate Observation
Build and sustain a global climate observing system that will respond to the long-term observational requirements of the operational forecast centers, international research programs, and other major scientific assessments.

GEOSS - Earth Observation System
With benefits as broad as the planet itself, the U.S. - led initiative promises to make people and economies around the globe healthier, safer, and better equipped to manage basic daily needs. The aim is to make 21st century technology as interrelated as the planet it observes, predicts and protects, providing the science for sound policy and decision-making.