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National Activities

Almost all networks, systems, data centres and analysis centres that GCOS works with and relies upon are funded, managed and operated by national entities within their own requirements, plans, procedures, standards and regulations. Needs of the UNFCCC and other users for global climate observations and products can be addressed only if plans are developed and implemented in a coordinated manner by national organizations.

Such mechanisms are usually best sustained when national coordinators or focal points are designated. Their assigned responsibility should include coordinate planning and implementation of systematic climate observing systems across the many national departments and agencies involved with their provision.

Download the brochure: "The Implementation of the Global Climate Observing System at the National Level".

GCOS National Focal Points

There are National Focal Points for GCOS and related Climatological Data in more than 130 countries. Their Terms of Reference are as follows:

• Liase within the NMHS on GSN and GUAN issues related to data availability and quality;
• Inform Lead Centres on current and potential problems that might impact data availability and quality;
• Respond to requests from CBS Lead Centres for GCOS Data regarding data availability and quality.

National GCOS Coordinators

National Coordinators have been formally established in the following countries (Terms of Reference):