Group on Earth Observation (GEO) Report of the Subgroup on User Requirements and Outreach

Transcription

1 Group on Earth Observation (GEO) Report of the Subgroup on User Requirements and Outreach Report Outline 1. Introduction and scope 2. Identified socio-economic benefits and related key topics 3. User categories 4 User requirements and gap analysis 5. Involvement of users 6. Updating user requirements and monitoring of users satisfaction over time 7. Outreach 8. Towards the 10-year implementation plan Annex I Sea Surface Temperature (data needs and gaps) Annex II Atmospheric chemistry (data needs and gaps) Annex III Geohazards (data needs and gaps) Annex IV Tentative outline of a user requirements database for GEOSS. Annex V Acronyms and Abbreviations Annex VI Subgroup Roster 1 of 41

2 GEO Users Requirements and Outreach Report 1. Introduction and scope The purpose of the Global Earth Observation System of Systems (GEOSS) is to provide data, information and knowledge in order to achieve better understanding, assessment and prediction of the entire Earth system and provide support for sound decision-making processes, and contribute to socio-economic development. According to the Terms of Reference (ToR), the User Requirements and Outreach subgroup has started an analysis of users' needs for Earth observation specific data and information products at local, national, regional and global levels following a user-driven approach and taking into account scientific knowledge and technological developments. Emphasis was placed on cataloguing existing information and analysis relating to current Earth observation (EO) data requirements, although long-term information and data needs were identified. The resulting information base of user requirements should be viewed as an initial step for providing data and information, largely determined by existing and planned policies of GEO members and by environmental international agreements and conventions. Such information is necessary in order to: Facilitate policy formulation and development; Identify gaps in current and planned programs and systems; Facilitate monitoring and enforcing the implementation and impact assessment of existing or planned policies; Maintain a watching brief in order to identify the need for new policy action. Using societal benefits as the driving force, and policy priorities as the roadmap, a mechanism is recommended to identify, document, and prioritize actions to be taken to address user requirements for current and future Earth observations, through appropriate dialogue and procedures, taking advantage and building upon the experience of existing initiatives and infrastructures. To be fully successful, the GEOSS must promote a much wider awareness of the benefits of a comprehensive, coordinated and sustained Earth observations. This is of particular interest and value to developing countries. An outline of an outreach program relying on existing mechanisms and complementary actions, to actively demonstrate the usefulness of Earth observations to key user communities at a decision-making level, has been drawn up. Interaction with the Architecture, Data Utilisation and Capacity Building subgroups has allowed better focus and balance for the outcomes of the subgroup. 2. Identified socio-economic benefits and related key topics The following figure visualizes the process within GEOSS and illustrates how societal benefits result from comprehensive, coordinated and sustained Earth observations. 2 of 41

3 Figure 1. Societal benefits from Earth Observations In order to conduct an appropriate analysis of the user requirements and to provide the essential elements to prepare a 10-year implementation plan, the socio-economic benefit areas, as identified by the framework document negotiated at GEO-3, are used as the backbone of the report. The following paragraphs provide short descriptions and the compelling rationale for each of these areas, as well as relevant key topics, listed as environmental phenomena to monitor and/or variables to measure. Some reference documents and reports as well as international conventions are also mentioned for some topics. The key topics provided below are not exhaustive and are still being refined. Reducing loss of life and property from natural and human-induced disasters Brief description Natural hazards such as earthquakes, volcanoes, landslides, floods, wildfires, and extreme weather events impose a large and growing burden on society. They are a major cause of loss of life and property, and damage to key resources. As human population increases, habitation in hazardous areas becomes more common and the risk posed by these hazards increases. Our ability to predict, monitor, and respond to natural and technological hazards is a key factor in reducing the occurrence and severity of disasters, and relies heavily on the use of information from well-designed and integrated Earth observations. Natural hazards can have a disproportionate impact on developing countries, where they are major barriers to sustainable development. The recent wildfires in the USA and Australia, the millennium flood in Europe, and the earthquake in Iran where over 30,000 lives were lost, all underline the importance of preparedness, planning, and response. Improved monitoring of hazards and means of providing early warnings are critical for preventing hazards from becoming disasters. To best serve these needs, an integrated approach that includes data from many different sources on both natural environment and human infrastructure is essential: in situ measurements, aerial and satellite remote sensing, and predictive modelling, all integrated into decision support and response systems can provide timely and accurate information needed by decision makers and the public. 3 of 41

4 Compelling rationale for achieving these benefits Better coordinated observation systems could save lives, protect biota and preserve resources. The future demands predictive systems that could potentially warn decision-makers and the public, and reduce the chance of hazards becoming disasters. Key topics: Crustal deformation (e.g. earthquake warning, seismic waves, volcanic activity and landslides, etc.) Vegetation fires (e.g. forest fires, burnt areas, etc.) Tsunami and surges Meteorological and hydrological events (e.g. hurricanes, typhoons, severe storms, floods, drought, blizzards, heat waves) Algal blooms Oil spills Nuclear accidents Chemical accidents Conflict Pestilence Space weather (sun-earth connections) (ref. IGOS-P Geophysical Hazards, plus ELDAS initiative) (ref. MARPOL convention, Bonn agreement) Understanding environmental factors affecting human health and well being Brief description People born in the 21st century, on average, have a life expectancy about twice that of those born just over a century ago. Most of that increase was gained by environmental changes including: improved sanitation; purified water; more effective control of disease vectors and reservoirs; cleaner air; and safer use of chemicals in our homes, gardens, factories and offices. To expand these benefits to people everywhere necessitates user requirements that are part of the complex web of information needed to protect and improve human health and well being. This can be accomplished to a greater extent by first satisfying fundamental needs for air, water, food, shelter, and inspiration, and ultimately by enhancing our present quality of life and the sustainable development necessary for our future. Compelling rationale for achieving these benefits There is a difference in the health and well being of peoples throughout the World. Earth observation data transformed into information, such as indicators of environmental quality, pollution exposures, environment-related health and well being statistics, will educate all of these peoples. The resulting increased awareness will then drive better policy development, nationally and globally, and foster international assistance where needed. Key topics: Urban environment Air quality UV and near UV radiation Quality and quantity of water for human use Waste Management Transportation infrastructure and patterns Vector and water borne diseases 4 of 41

5 Biodiversity Famine/Food security Waste management Land use/land cover Noise levels Energy resources and energy use (ref. Montreal Protocol) Improving management of energy resources Brief description Energy utilization, production and combustion create a variety of issues and needs throughout the World. The issues range from production and burning of biofuels to exploration and development of advanced energy sources, and to air quality and air transport. Fundamental information needs and impacts of development and combustion require an enhanced understanding by decision makers and stakeholders. The use of enhanced Earth observations, information and tools can potentially provide for optimization of sources of energy and management of distribution. Compelling rationale for achieving these benefits Energy management is a compelling need throughout the World. Differences in regions relate to availability, utility and cost, and how energy issues influence the ecology, environment, and health and well being of humans. Focused efforts with improved Earth observations can help to optimize decision-making, and help supply needed energy and maintain the environment and human health. Key Topics The key topics for this area of socio-economic benefit section need to be developed. Understanding, assessing, predicting, mitigating and adapting to climate variability and change Brief description The systematic and continuous observation of climate parameters is needed to understand climate variability and change due to human activities. This includes the monitoring of physical parameters of the atmosphere, the ocean and the terrestrial domain, as well as the quantities that are directly affected by human activities, such as carbon, aerosols, methane and other greenhouse gases. Understanding is a first step, which progressively leads to a better predicting capability at all possible timescales, and a better assessment of the impact of climate variability and change on life conditions, property and economic activities at regional, national and global scales. Available observational evidence indicates that regional changes in climate, particularly increases in temperature, have already affected a diverse set of physical and biological systems in many parts of the world. A comprehensive observation strategy is also required to develop predictive models of the effect of energy policies and land cover/land use management practices on climate evolution, and in general terms, to support the development of national and international policies for climate change mitigation and adaptation. Compelling rationale for achieving these benefits Society is vulnerable to climate variability and change. Therefore, the development and further improvement of monitoring and prediction capabilities is a necessary basis for mitigation and 5 of 41

6 adaptation policies, in support of sustainable development and for a proper management of natural resources. Key topics Meteorological parameters (e.g. air temperature, humidity, wind speed, precipitation, clouds, aerosols, etc.) Atmospheric composition parameters (e.g. carbon dioxide, methane, ozone, etc.) Ocean parameters (e.g. sea temperature, salinity, sea level, sea state, sea ice, current, ocean color [for biological activity], carbon dioxide pressure, nutrients, phytoplancton) Cryosphere information (e.g. sea and land ice coverage, thickness, composition, age and dynamics, etc) Terrestrial parameters (e.g. river discharge, water use, ground water, lake levels, albedo, land and vegetation cover, soil moisture, leaf area index, biomass, fire disturbance, etc) (ref. GCOS 2nd Adequacy Report, Essential Climate Variables) (ref. WCRP report on update of space mission requirements, January 2004) (ref. IGOS-P- report Integrated Global Carbon Observation) (ref. IGOS-IGACO Preliminary Report) (ref. UNFCCC and Kyoto Protocol) Improving water resource management through better understanding of the water cycle Brief description Over one billion people in the World are currently without safe drinking water. Water quantities are deficient in many places and cannot support crops and feed the populace. Lack of water and food creates great hardships and safety concerns. Enhanced Earth observations, information, and modeling tools and decision support systems (DSS) should help decision makers at local, national, regional and global levels in efforts to monitor, manage, and improve the quality, quantity, and reliability of water sources for plants, wildlife and people. This will also help to predict water availability, droughts, and floods for better management of forests, ranges, deserts, and agricultural lands and drinking water supplies, and for protection of human populations. Compelling rationale for achieving these benefits By providing more complete and detailed data (related to water resources, the water cycle, and water quality), information and forecasts, people and decision makers could make informed decisions on water management and services to improve their livelihoods. Key topics Meteorological parameters (e.g. precipitation, humidity, cloud details, etc.) Terrestrial parameters (e.g. river discharge, lake level, evapotranspiration, soil moisture, vegetation etc.) Ocean surface parameters (e.g. evaporation, salinity, etc.) Global temporal gravity field parameters (e.g. temporal gravity field data, etc.) (ref. IGOS-P Global Water Cycle theme report, November 2003) Improving weather information, forecasting and warning Brief description The impacts of weather and related hazards (storms, hurricanes, floods, surges, cold spells, heat waves, etc) on society and the economy have long been recognized, as well as the requirement to 6 of 41

7 mitigate against severe weather events by providing specific information and weather warnings for safety of life and property. Therefore, in the last hundred years, continuous support has been given to the meteorological community to define, implement and operate systems for data gathering, data processing and information dissemination on the global scale, under the umbrella of WMO. However successful, this process needs to be sustained and further developed. There are identified gaps in data coverage, efficient data processing capabilities and product dissemination systems are still lacking, especially in the developing countries. Furthermore, society is requiring immediate security, collective well being and socio-economic reactivity in facing severe weather conditions. This increasingly complex demand requires scientific and technical development of observations and modelling systems to increase forecast and warning capabilities, especially at the very short range and local scale as well as at extended range and global scale. At the same time, a lot of effort is required to make decision makers, planners and the public fully aware of the value of meteorological advice to turn forecast output into a successful outcome for society. Compelling rationale for achieving these benefits Historically there is and will be an increasing need to monitor and predict weather to help the world s population to better conduct their lives in the face of extreme weather events, and to enhance the capacity and readiness of civil authorities and business to mitigate their consequences. Today, as society becomes more complex and fragile, the demand grows to give more precise and timely forecasts and warnings. These must be integrated in security and planning schemes at global, regional and national levels, and also act as a cross cutting issue for almost all the other GEOSS societal benefits. Key topics Atmospheric parameters (Wind, temperature, humidity, precipitation, pressure, etc) Ocean surface parameters (SST, heat fluxes, waves, etc) Land surface parameters (LST, heat fluxes, albedo, etc) Sea and land ice parameters (coverage, type, etc) (Ref : WMO World Weather Watch Global Observing System) (Ref: IOC Global Ocean Observing System) Improving the management and protection of terrestrial, coastal and marine ecosystems Brief description Our ability to observe and monitor terrestrial, coastal, and marine resources is essential to the sustainable management of such resources to provide benefits to society. Management of resources requires detailed information on the state of the resources, pressure, and related policy responses. Decisions on alternative use require an evaluation of the impacts, a scientific understanding of the dynamic processes, and development and monitoring of indicators of environmental stress and health. Observations are required in a large number of areas including marine security and pollution, urban sprawling, soil degradation, deforestation, and others. The goals for the coming decade are to maximize net benefits in a sustainable and environmentally healthy manner. Compelling rationale for achieving these benefits Enhanced Earth observations, information, and decision support systems should provide assistance for land, coastal, and marine management and policy making in optimizing sustainable use of resources and mitigating the impact of past and current activities. 7 of 41

8 Key topics Ocean surface and sub-surface parameters (e.g. sea surface temperature and profiles, chlorophyll, sea level height, sea ice, currents, salinity, carbonic acid related, nutrients etc.) Marine security and pollution (e.g. oil slicks, dumping, ship routing, etc.) Coastal zone information (e.g. pollution, eutrophication, current, marine pathogens, etc.) Terrestrial parameters (e.g. biomass, forest, land use, vegetation stress, deforestation, soil degradation, land cover, etc.) Urban parameters (e.g. urban sprawl, subsidence measurements, soil sealing, etc) Natural and culture heritage Common geographic datasets (e.g. elevation, topography, transportation, drainage system, residential area, etc.) (ref. IGOS-P Oceans report, IGOS Coastal theme report (May 2003), GOOS reports) (ref. CORINE Report) (ref. Helsinki convention on oceans, MARPOL convention) (ref. Ramsar convention, Berne convention) Supporting sustainable agriculture and combating desertification Brief description Food production is a national priority for development and is an important influence on sustainable development, modernization, and food security for humans. Production is characterized by annual fluctuations related to climate conditions, agricultural skills, market forces and investment. Seasonal and longer-term trends in weather and climate patterns are one of the greatest factors affecting the agricultural, desert and range, and forestry sectors. Decision makers need timely and accurate production information for agricultural management and market decisions. Success depends on farmers adapting to seasonal or longer-term changes in water availability and temperature patterns. The maintenance of healthy forest ecosystems requires understanding of climate and adaptation to or mitigation of effects of extreme weather. Renewable production of biofuels is expected to be a growing area as countries seek to decrease or offset impacts of traditional fuel uses. Good stewardship of farm and rangelands prevents desertification. These challenges require an integrated approach that includes basic understanding of environmental tolerances, requirements, and adaptability of various species or cultivars in combination with in situ and remote sensing based observations and predictions of key environmental factors, such as soil moisture, seasonal temperature and precipitation, extended weather forecasts, and shorter term predictions of extreme weather hazards, such as hurricanes, ice storms, or freezes. Increased, improved observations, models, and predictions of weather and hydrology provide a critical foundation for optimizing production and mitigating the effects of prolonged drought or extreme weather events (such as severe frosts) that can increase susceptibility to insects or diseases, decrease production, destroy entire crops, foster desertification, or kill large areas of forest. Compelling rationale for achieving these benefits Maintenance, enhancement, and reliability of agricultural, rangeland and forest production are essential for sustaining and improving the health, quality of life, and economic conditions in developing and developed countries. Key topics 8 of 41

9 Terrestrial parameters (e.g. biomass, forest, land use, vegetation stress, deforestation, soil degradation, land cover, etc.) Meteorological parameters (e.g. air temperature, humidity, wind speed, precipitation, clouds, aerosols, etc.) Meteorological and hydrological events (e.g. hurricanes, typhoons, severe storms, floods, drought, heat waves, etc.) Agricultural parameters (e.g. crop production, food security, pesticide/fertilizer usage, etc.) (ref. UNCCD) Understanding, monitoring and conserving biodiversity Brief description Biodiversity includes diversity within species, between species and of ecosystems. There are a plethora of ethical, spiritual and aesthetic reasons for preserving biodiversity. In many cases, the function of specific species is not well understood and the value to future generations is hard to predict. Diversity within species (genetic diversity) allows species to adapt to novel conditions and, to some degree, anthropogenic modifications to the biosphere. One major problem is to ensure that this mechanism, which explains how life evolved in the geological history of the Earth, is not threatened by human activities. More species disappeared in the last 500 years than during the entire history of the Earth. It is necessary to further track biodiversity issues and to make ecological indicators and forecasts that can predict the impacts of natural and anthropogenic changes on ecosystems and their components. Changes can include extreme natural events, climate, land and resource use, pollution, and invasive species. Ecological forecasts can offer scientifically sound estimations of what is likely to occur. Among other things, species diversity translates into increased potential for new products and services as well as a safeguard against the loss of existing benefits through functional redundancy. The international convention on biodiversity was signed in 1992; since 2002 a very challenging target was set for 2010, i.e. to stop the loss of biodiversity. Compelling rationale for achieving these benefits Various societal benefits derive from biodiversity that range broadly in scope and scale, and can be related to specific actions like climate mitigation, landslide control and water purification, and products like medicines, timber and fish. Biodiversity can also be considered as the only means for life to survive environmental changes. Key topics Extent and distribution of habitats, and subtypes Quality of habitat subtype (e.g. fragmentation patterns, timber extraction rates, biological community structure, etc.) Disturbance regimes (e.g. spatial and temporal distributions, ecological responses to disturbance, etc) Human-wild life disease interactions and invasive species Agricultural practices relating to biodiversity (ref. UNCBD) 3. User categories Demands for EO information and data come from many different quarters: 9 of 41

10 policy makers at both national and international levels; agencies, institutions and relevant international organisations and programmes responsible for assessments, policy implementation and enforcement at global, regional, national and local levels; agencies and institutions responsible for coordination and development of national and international observation systems; scientific and education communities, including schools and universities as well as national and international research agencies and centres; industries, services sectors and businesses that are often the target of policy decisions; NGOs, public interest and advocacy groups; the general public. The needs of these different users vary, and cannot be met necessarily by the same information, processed and presented in the same way, although they may make use of the same data sources. These different categories could be very roughly gathered in three main groups: Information end-users As the name indicates, end-users are those for which the information is intended. They use the information as such or disseminate it, but do not process it any further. The information required by the end-users may be fairly straightforward and simply expressed: e.g. Is water quality improving? Is agriculture threatening biodiversity? To what extent is air pollution increasing allergies? What is the influence of transportation on global warming? End-users involved with policy development or management issues typically require indicators, indices or indexes able to help them to deal with these types of questions. It is essential that end-users understand the information production chain in order to support the development of upstream stages related to data production and transformation and the associated funding needs. On the other hand, data providers and transformers need to be kept timely aware of endusers emerging information needs in order to understand the potential implications early enough with respect to their data production and transformation activities. Transformers: Data users/information producers Transformers deal with the preparation of usable information for end-users. This is done by assembling and combining data through a variety of methods and models. Their tasks are varied, ranging from simple data compilation, analysis and commentary (e.g. for the production of reports on the state of the environment) to the development and operation of large complex models to help answer specific research questions. Transformers shall be aware of end-users' needs as well as of data producers capabilities and provide a vital link between these two broad groups. The needs for data fall under two broad categories: - Environmental data that are domain specific (e.g. air quality, water quality, etc.). The data collection is normally under the responsibility of specific agencies. - Non-environmental data (e.g. statistics on human activities, data on health, etc.). In this case, data collection is not normally under the responsibility of a specific environmental agency. Specification of and details relating to the need for generic non-environmental data has generally received little attention thus far and requires action. Data producers Data producers are concerned with data acquisition, data management, data quality, data documentation, and data distribution. They can be grouped under four broad categories relating to the use of different techniques and the nature of the institution acquiring the data: in situ observations, earth observation from 10 of 41

11 space, statistics, basic mapping. In principle, the programmes of activity within each group are determined by users' needs. However experience with the EU GMES thematic projects has confirmed that many needs for data are not met and that substantial adjustments are necessary with respect to data production activities. Figure 2. Production and use of data/information cycle In developing GEOSS therefore, all the various users noted above need to be involved not just by defining their information needs at the outset, as a one-time event, but as part of a continuing process of negotiation and dialogue in order to match data/information programs and plans to user needs. As a consequence, GEO should thus promote such dialogue and the User Requirements and Outreach subgroup should identify the best modalities taking into account existing efforts. 4. User requirements and gap analysis For a better understanding of the current status and gaps of existing inventories, each key topic needs to be analysed, based on the following main elements: 1) Target users 2) Observation parameters 3) Information, data and knowledge 4) Integration and modelling tools, with SGDU 5) Geographic parameters 6) Observing specification (accuracy, resolution, coverage) 7) Accessibility 8) Requirements for Architecture, with SGA While it is vital to obtain information as specific as possible for any particular application or need, it is also valuable to identify commonalities and efforts made to ensure that relevant data/information can readily be linked and used collectively. This ability for data/information linkage is important since it can help to reveal unseen inconsistencies between different areas or issues as well as identify gaps. The information and data needs analysis process thus requires specific attention to identify potential common needs within and across domains, and to the possibility of combined observations activities. This last stage of work should be performed in cooperation with the Data Utilisation and Architecture subgroups. 11 of 41

12 To conduct such analysis, the UR&O subgroup agreed to develop this activity relying on URSG member s experience and knowledge, using as much as possible outcomes of existing inventories, e.g. IGOS-P. Members of the subgroup who agreed to lead and to support the analysis are listed in the following table: Socio-economic benefit areas Reducing loss of life and property from natural and humaninduced disasters Understanding environmental factors affecting human health and well being Improving management of energy resources Understanding, assessing, predicting, mitigating and adapting to climate variability and change Improving water resource management through better understanding of the water cycle Improving weather information, forecasting and warning Improving the management and protection of terrestrial coastal and marine ecosystems Supporting sustainable agriculture and combating desertification Understanding, monitoring and conserving biodiversity Organizations/ Institutions ESA, PSEPC (Canada), UNESCO, CONAE (Argentina), BfG (D). EPA and HHS (US) TBD GCOS, WCRP, Spanish Bureau for climate Change (SP), KNMI (NL), INGV (I), MEXT (J), APAT (I), BfG (D), WCRP. Météo France, Met office, ECMWF EC, APAT(I), BfG (D).), Univ.Agr.Sc (S), UNEP, IOC INGV (I), UNEP? Min.Ecol.Sustain. Dev. (F), EC For each of these areas, as a starting point, five main steps to carry out the analysis have been identified: Step 1: data based on User Needs for each key topic can be summarized in terms of necessary measurement characteristics: such as observation accuracy, temporal/spatial resolutions, data delivery timing and spatial coverage. Attention will be paid to define common requirements for different topics and different typology of users. Step 2: identification of current status of EO systems (remotely sensed and in situ), data accessibility and EO measurement characteristics. Step 3: through comparison of data user needs and the current status, identification of gaps in geographic coverage, observing specifications, and accessibility. Step 4: identification of the means to fill the identified gaps taking into account the 10-Year Implementation Plan perspective. Step 5: Connection of the identified gaps back to the Societal Benefits and the development of the "compelling rationale" for filling these gaps. 12 of 41

13 In most user domains there are already established international consultative processes via which definitive sets of user requirements are collected, documented, reviewed, and formally endorsed by authoritative user bodies. The status and maturity of the requirements evolves, via critical review and revision by progressively wider user groups. Observation requirements typically begin life as a draft proposal that represents the best understanding of a particular expert group. They then mature typically over a period of several years - to the status of an established complete set of requirements that represents international consensus on the current observational needs for a specific parameter in a given domain. The WMO RRR and IGOS-P mechanisms are two well-established, but fundamentally different, examples of this process. The examples of requirements provided in Annexes I, II and III illustrate requirements at different stages of definition and review. These are drawn from Sea Surface Temperature requirements collected within Japan, the IGOS-P Atmospheric Chemistry Theme (presently under review by IGOS-P), the IGOS-P Geo-hazards theme (already approved by IGOS-P). These illustrate different methods for gathering and defining requirements. All are preliminary and subject to change. 5. Involvement of users Mechanisms need to be defined in order to achieve an effective involvement of the users in a permanent (or semi-permanent) way in order to ensure a sound and sustainable development of GEOSS during the 10-year Implementation Plan. Using the approach followed by existing observing systems, such as WMO, IGOS-P, GCOS, GOOS, etc., as well as those developed by international and national programs and organizations, the group will proceed with the methodological approach proposed in section 4. As an example, the WMO experience in setting, reviewing and updating observational data following their process called the Rolling Review of Requirements (RRR) could be used as a model. All WMO Programmes and supported programmes have ascribed to the RRR process. It has become an effective tool to assess current capabilities of a global observing system and to provide guidance for future enhancements. 13 of 41

14 Figure 3. The RRR process set up by WMO Critical reviews, normally on an annual basis and relevant to the needs of combined satellite and in situ observing system capabilities for climate and ocean operational monitoring, are made regularly by the WMO. These reviews allow the analysis of how well satellite and in situ sensor capabilities meet the WMO user requirements in several application areas (global NWP (Numerical Weather Prediction), regional NWP, synoptic meteorology, nowcasting and very short range forecasting, seasonal to interannual forecasting and aeronautical meteorology) as well as defining relevant gaps and needs. Moreover, the involvement of standards organisations and certification bodies could facilitate the development of user standards. To supplement the guidance for future improvements (see above), selected users will be engaged to proceed in order to connect the enhancements back to the Societal Benefits and develop the "compelling rationale" for filling these gaps. 6. Updating of user requirements and monitoring of users satisfaction over time The needs for changes in data and information provision, access and quality are significant and concern considerably different actors and institutions. These changes cannot result from a single grand plan; rather progressive adjustments need to be made whenever opportunities occur (e.g. regular reviews of monitoring programs, establishment or renewal of observational infrastructures, etc.), but consistent with a shared aim and approach. For this approach, a distinct and common user requirements database for GEOSS should be established and maintained, building on and linking to existing user requirements databases. A tentative outline of such database is provided in annex IV. The following table shows how dialogue could be fostered and structured around a series of issues leading to dialogue streams between the parties concerned: Issues Parties Note Thematic data producers Transformers Environmental thematic data Generic nonenvironmental data (e.g. statistics, mapping, health) Update of End-users needs and assessment of users satisfaction Update of End-users needs and assessment of users satisfaction Data needs Chain of information production and use Selected transformers Selected data producers Selected end-users Selected transformers National interministerial groups on data and information Representatives of different territorial levels (local, regional, national, international) All parties Dialogue rather well in place in some thematic areas (see the above WMO RRR example). Needs to be systematic in all thematic areas. To be developed To be developed. Important to get feedback on actual information uses. To be developed. Focus on shared needs and potential for shared activities/resources. To be developed. Focus on conditions for seamless data flows. GEO Forum. Wrap up of above dialogue streams. Low frequency. 14 of 41

15 Example of dialogue streams Specific modalities should be put in place to support the above dialogue streams in order to ensure that substantive content can be developed. In particular, any agreement relating to a programme and funding for information production or observation activities should be subject to specific conditions, such as: the potential interest of other parties has been assessed; in case of large initiatives an open call for cooperation, sharing of resource and results has been published; end-users will be directly associated with data production initiatives; data producers will be directly associated to information production initiatives; results/products will pro-actively be made available. Furthermore, the above conditions should also apply to initiatives relating to the collection of nonenvironmental data needed to produce environmental information. 7. Outreach To promote the widespread awareness of the benefits of comprehensive, coordinated and sustained Earth Observations, a continued dialogue is needed between all parties involved in information production and use, such as: national administrations (Ministries of Research, Environment, Industry, Agriculture, civil protection, etc.); scientific communities; education, students; operational monitoring agencies; industry and consultancy firms; local and regional authorities; ODA agencies; NGOs, public interest and advocacy groups; opinion makers (Press, media); the general public. Throughout the GEOSS 10-year implementation plan, an outreach programme needs to be developed, relying on existing mechanisms and appropriate actions to reinforce them or create new structures and/or programs. Some of the main tools for outreach activities could be: general GEO website and national Websites; brochure preparation for wider distribution for those countries without easy access to the web; ad hoc publications and newsletters to reach different categories of stakeholders; education materials for teachers and students (from school level to university); education support (Capacity building); organisation of special sessions or exhibits on EO system (s) at key events; press communications strategies. 8. Towards the 10-Year implementation Plan 15 of 41

16 The SGUR&O has provided important inputs to the identification of the societal benefit objectives agreed at GEO-3. It has further elaborated key topics to be tackled as well as examples of user requirements and outreach mechanisms. It has sketched out possible and necessary future work to complete the tasks envisaged by the TOR provided by GEO and in support of the Implementation Plan Task Team (IPTT). The following tasks outline the planned work by the UR&O Subgroup: continue with the user requirement and gap analysis, based on the approach developed in section 4 and through possible workshops with other Subgroups and experts to be identified; identify high priority requirements, based on the outcome of the user requirements and gap analysis; contribute to design an Outreach programme with the Capacity Building Subgroup, following the suggestions provided in section 7; define users involvement mechanisms, building on existing experience and mechanisms mentioned in section 5; contribute to identify modalities for updating user requirements and monitoring of user satisfaction over time, based on the approach sketched in section 6; contribute to define the milestones, reporting and review process to adequately monitor during the 10-year implementation period the actions and activities relevant to user requirements and outreach. 16 of 41

17 ANNEXES The examples of requirements provided in Annexes I, II and III illustrate requirements at different stages of definition and review. These are drawn from Sea Surface Temperature requirements collected within Japan, the IGOS-P Atmospheric Chemistry Theme (presently under review by IGOS-P), the IGOS-P Geo-hazards theme (already approved by IGOS-P). As such, these illustrate different methods for gathering and defining requirements. All are preliminary and subject to change. See also section 4 of this report 17 of 41

18 ANNEX I Sea Surface Temperature (SST) Step 1. Data User Needs for each key topic could be summarized in terms of necessary SST measurement characteristics, such as observation accuracy, temporal/spatial resolutions, data delivery timing and spatial coverage. Data User needs Societal issues/potential benefits Improving manag. and protect. of terrestrial coastal and marine ecosys. Improving water resource manag. through better understand. of water cycle Improving weather information, forecasting and warning Understanding, assessing, predicting, mitigating and adapting to climate variability and change Accuracy Temporal res. Horizontal res. Vertical res. Inshore fishery 0.5 C 6 hour 6 hour 50 km grid N/A Water resource management Seasonal atmospheric environment Weather forecast Understanding of global warming Coverage 500 km around 0.05 C 1 day 1 day 300 km grid N/A Global 0. 5 C 10 days 10 day 300 km grid N/A Global 0.5 C 1 hour 1 hour 50 km grid N/A Global 0.05 C 5 year 60 days 30 Model research 0.05 C 1 day days * Non Available. Table I.1.a Example of user needs for SST SST : Examples for combination of needs Accuracy Temporal res. Timedelay Timedelay 500 km grid N/A Global 300 km grid N/A* Global Horizontal res. Vertical res. Needs C 1 hour 1 hour 50 km grid N/A Coverage 3000 km around Needs C 1 day 1 day 300 km grid N/A Global Needs 3* 0.05 C 30 days * Needs 3 could be covered by Needs 2 Table I.1.b. Common requirements 30 days 500 km grid N/A Global 18 of 41

19 Step 2: inventory of current EO systems, data accessibility and data specifications Status of current observation Operational observation: - in situ observation by each national oceanographic agency over specific areas, such as in seas close to Japan, and near Europe and U.S., is available. - satellite observation, such as geostationary meteorological satellites (GMSs), operational polar orbital meteorological satellites (NOAA), is available. Satellite sensors : Visible infrared (VIS-IR) sensors (GMSs, NOAA/AVHRR, TRMM/VIRS, Terra/MODIS, Aqua/MODIS, etc.), microwave radiometers (TRMM/TMI, Aqua/AMSR-E). in situ measurements: Mooring buoys (TAO/TRITON, PIRATA, NDBC, etc.), drifting buoys (ARGO, etc.), ships (research vessels, volunteer observing ships), coastal tide level observations. Other observation (airplane, etc.): N/A Table I.2.a Current EO observation Data Accessibility International observation network/system: WWW, GCOS, GOOS, JCOMM, ARGO, CEOS International data center: Networks between each national marine data center and the World Data Center under the framework of IODE. Table I.2.b. Current data accessibility Measurement specification (* means temporal resolution regarding influence of cloudy condition) Accuracy Obs. Horizontal Vertical Currency frequency Res. Res. Coverage Tropical Moored C 1 hour 3 hours buoy km N/A Tropics Drifting buoy 0.1 C 1 hour 3 hours 500 km N/A Global Profiling float 0.01 C 10 days 12 hours 300 km N/A Global Ship C 30 days 1 day 50 km N/A Ship route VIS-IR (GMS) 0.7 C 1 hour (*7 days) 3 days (*7 days) 1 hour 5 km N/A Global (exc. polar) VIS-IR (polar 0.7 C 3-6 hours km N/A Global orbital) Microwave (polar 0.7 C 3 days 3-6 hours 25 km N/A Global orbital) Products (raw, grid, etc.) Grid products analysis of historical data (in situ observation), objective analysis, satellite data, combined satellites and in situ data. Standardization For in situ observation, national calibration center and inter-comparison between different centers. For satellite observation, sensor calibration and comparison with mooring buoys, which have good accuracy. Table I.2.c Data specifications 19 of 41

20 Step 3: Example of gaps including lacks and insufficiencies for SST. Geographical gaps Lack of in situ observation in the southern hemisphere (especially for south-east Pacific Ocean, Indian Ocean, Southern Ocean). Satellite observation: - visible infrared sensor: whole globe could be covered by, but cloud cover could avoid SST acquisition. - Space-borne microwave radiometer: acquisition by all weather conditions but coverage limited to satellite orbit. Table I.3.a - Geographical gaps Observing specification gaps (accuracy, resolution, coverage) Needs 1: Visible infrared sensors carried by the geostationary meteorological satellites Accuracy of observation is insufficient. Frequency of observation is sufficient, but insufficient for cloudy regions and/or seasons. Capacity of data delivery is sufficient. Horizontal resolution is sufficient. Spatial coverage is sufficient except for polar region. [NOTE] To complete influence by clouds, combined use of drifting buoy network and space-borne microwave radiometer is needed. Needs 2: Networks of drifting buoys and tropical mooring buoys (TAO/TRITON, PIRATA)] Accuracy of observation is sufficient. Frequency of observation is insufficient, except for tropical Pacific and Atlantic. Capacity of data delivery is sufficient. Horizontal resolution is sufficient. Spatial coverage is insufficient under the existing conditions. [NOTE] Global network of drifting buoys is at a level of 70% of the required number at the moment. Combined use of satellite and drafting buoy data is needed Needs 3: Networks of drifting buoys and tropical mooring buoys (TAO/TRITON, PIRATA), and ships Accuracy of observation is sufficient for drifting and mooring buoys. Frequency of observation is sufficient. Capacity of data delivery is sufficient. Horizontal resolution is sufficient. Spatial coverage is insufficient, and areas with no observations exist. [NOTE] Global network of drifting buoys is at a level of 70% of the required number at the moment. Combined use of satellite and drifting buoy data is needed. Table I.3.b EO gaps in term of accuracy, resolution and spatial coverage Accessibility gaps - IODE related organizations (in situ, past data), WMO related agencies (satellite and in situ data, partly available in real-time), space agencies (satellite data, partly available in real-time). Available via Internet or medias (offline), except for data transmitted through WWW/GTS in realtime. - Current system has not enough capacity for huge data, such as high resolution satellite data and combined data set of satellites and in situ observations. Table 1.3.c- gaps in term of data accessibility 20 of 41

21 Step 4: Examples of means to be maintained or put in place for improving SST measurements. Challenges: Maintenance and enhancement of existing observing systems - Temporal consistency for historical data and new data (e.g., satellite) - Development of data correction system using observations, which are sufficient in their accuracy and capacity of data delivery. - Development of data correction system to improve temporal resolution. - Production of high frequency, high resolution and high accuracy data set by combined use of multi-sensors (satellites, in-situ). Enhancement of in situ observation over the areas with geographical gaps (review and analysis of buoy network) Operation by combined use of polar orbital satellites (VIS-IR, microwave radiometer) and new geostationary satellites which has high accuracy. Operation of multiple space-borne microwave radiometers, which have high spatial resolutions. etc. 21 of 41

22 ANNEX II Integrated Global Atmospheric Composition Observing and Forecasting System IGOS-IGACO) User requirements developed by the IGOS-Partnership IGACO (Integrated Global Observing Strategy Partnership for Integrated Global Atmospheric Chemistry Observations) are presented here. The status of this specification is preliminary and awaits approval by the IGOS-Partnership in May It should be seen as an example of the level of detail required in the Implementation Plan for the specification for an Atmospheric Composition Observation element of the proposed GEOSS System of Systems. Other initiatives are proceeding along similar lines, for example, user requirements are developed under some EC RTD projects, ESA projects and national projects. The need for Atmospheric Composition information The atmosphere, like the other components of the Earth System, is affected by the continuous increase in human population and activity, which have resulted in a variety of remarkable changes since the industrial revolution of the 19 th century. Among these are: the global decrease in stratospheric ozone and the attendant increase in surface ultraviolet radiation, emphasised by the "ozone hole" appearing over the Antarctic, the occurrence of summer smog over most cities in the world, including the developing countries, and the increased ozone background in the northern troposphere, the increase in greenhouse gases and aerosols in the atmosphere, acid rain and the eutrophication of surface waters and other natural ecosystems by nitrate deposited from the atmosphere, enhanced aerosol and photo-oxidant levels due to biomass burning and other agricultural activity the increase in fine particles in regions of industrial development and population growth with an attendant reduction in visibility and an increase in human health effects, and the appearance of fine particles in regions far from industrial activity (Arctic Haze). Many of these changes in atmospheric composition have socio-economic consequences through adverse effects on human and ecosystem health, on water supply and quality and on crop growth. A variety of abatement measures have been introduced or are being considered to reduce the effects. However, continued growth in human activities to expand economies and to alleviate poverty, will ensure that these effects continue to be important for the foreseeable future. Relevance to GEOSS objectives IGOS-IGACO addresses a number of societal issues and potential benefits of GEOSS as shown in the Table below. Reference is made to the specific areas in Atmospheric Composition that are relevant to these objectives. IGACO has grouped Atmospheric Composition into four major areas: Air Quality: The globalisation of Air Pollution Oxidation capacity: The atmosphere as a waste processor Ozone depletion: The Stratospheric ozone shield Climate: The coupling between Atmospheric Chemistry and Climate 22 of 41