Review of the world climate research programme (WCRP): Report from an ICSU-WMO-IOC-IGFA Review Panel
(2009). Review of the world climate research programme (WCRP): Report from an ICSU-WMO-IOC-IGFA Review Panel. ICSU: Paris. ISBN 978-0-930357-70-2. 57 pp. Related to:(2009). WMO-IOC-ICSU World Climate Research Programme (WCRP): Report and review. IOC Information Documents, 1266. UNESCO: Paris. 13 pp., more |  |
| Available in | | | Document type: Meeting report
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| Keywords | Climate
Research
World
Marine/Coastal |
| Abstract | This repor t is the result of a review of the World Climate Research Programme (WCRP) carried outby a Review Panel appointed by it s sponsors—the International Council for Science (ICSU), WorldMeteorological Organization (WMO), and the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC)of UNESCO—and the International Group of Funding Agencies for Global Change Research (IGFA).The review was under taken simultaneously with a review of the International Geosphere-BiosphereProgramme (IGBP). The repor t consist s of three par t s: an introductory chapter, a chapter on findingsand other relevant information, and a chapter on recommendations. The Annexes present backgroundinformation including a list of Review Panel members and the Terms of Reference for the Review.In shor t, the WCRP Review Panel recognizes the many impor tant achievement s of this internationalscientific research programme, and we conclude that WCRP can play a significant role in helpingsociety meet the challenges of global climate change. But at the present time, WCRP lacks the focus,planning, and funding to meet these challenges. WCRP must focus it s Project s and connect withpar tners and users in strategic ways, and it will need new resources to do so. The Review Panel’srecommendations are aimed at building the necessary focus and connections into WCRP and it spar tnerships. In par ticular, WCRP should:immediately focus it s 2005 WCRP 1. Strategic Framework1 to bet ter capture the WCRP role inproviding the science that underpins research on climate predictability, adaptation, and mitigation,thus strengthening the links with key end-user groups.2. rapidly implement it s focused Strategic Framework, paying special at tention to societal needswhile maintaining it s science-driven approach.3. introduce clear priorities into WCRP as a whole, collaborating with other Global EnvironmentalChange programmes to take into account urgent science required for IPCC and othersocietal demands.4. lead the initiative on Ear th system modelling, in collaboration with IGBP and other Programmes,utilizing the full richness of relevant disciplines, and explicitly addressing scientificproblems that lie at the inter faces with these disciplines.5. consolidate and strengthen it s focus as a user and promoter of observations as well as it ssuppor t of the component s of the Global Climate Observing System.6. set specific strategy and goals for building it s scientific capacity in diversity of age and genderand for par ticipation of developing country scientist s in planning and research.7. build it s resource capacity by enhancing suppor t for coordination and advocacy for researchand infrastructure needs. This will necessitate expanding it s funding sources out side traditionaltarget s and working through IGFA.8. expand it s strategic outreach activities to target greater visibility and bet ter uptake and utilizationof WCRP output s by the climate research community, the policy world and privatesector, and more broadly to the general public.1 Subtitled: Coordinated Observation and Prediction of the Earth System (COPES).In addition,WCRP’s sponsors should meet regularly to review their mutual responsibilities 9. for the Programmein light of society’s increasing need for climate understanding, mitigation, and adaptation.10. WCRP, in par tnership with other global environmental change programmes, should develop aframework for future joint research operation, with the initial focus on the element s identifiedin this Review. A sponsor-convened 12-month study is proposed to initiate and plan theprocess. |
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