| Contexte |
It is increasingly acknowledged that climate change will exert a tremendous influence on the three dimensions of sustainability, thus being a key game changer and global risk factor for sustainable development. In order to react on changes in the global climate system, decision makers on different levels must rely on a sound information and knowledge base. The latter is, however, often not available, since in many parts of the world, high quality data on essential climate variables is either still not available or not yet used for related climate services. Thus, in its first phase, CATCOS supported the establishment of high quality climate data providers, targeting countries in under-represented areas with respect to atmospheric and terrestrial observations (aerosols, greenhouse gases, glaciers). This has not only contributed to filling important data gaps, but also raised awareness of the value of systematic climate monitoring and thus ultimately added to the global effort of climate monitoring. While CATCOS 1 has delivered a sound groundwork for improving the climate knowledge and information base mainly focusing on global needs, the second phase will allow broadening the scope and including needs on the regional to local level (data for local climate services). This is particularly highlighted by two concrete activities in Central Asia and South America which are closely related to ongoing SDC initiatives. In this way, CATCOS will respond to needs on different levels, from global (e.g. improving the network of Global Atmosphere Watch stations) down to very local (e.g. enhanced knowledge on air pollution in Bolivia). Additionally, CATCOS 2 will continue with the investment made by further supporting the different countries and institutions on their way to become independent, sustainable and reliable climate data providers, which are closely linked to the relevant stakeholders on all levels.
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