ICOS is taking part in the 23rd session of the Conference of the Parties (COP23) to the UNFCCC organized in Bonn (Germany), presided over by the Government of Fiji, on November 6th–17th 2017.
ICOS participation in the COP23 starts on Wednesday, 8th November when the Group on Earth Observations Carbon and Greenhouse Gas Initiative (GEO-C) is given special emphasis at the side-event dedicated to “Integrated observations for mitigation and adaptation and practical support to Parties”, in addition to being visible at the GEO booth.
In its note published on October 29th, the Chair of the Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice (SBSTA) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) mentions the side-event as one of two relevant contributions to the work of SBSTA on Systematic Observation. The Chair notes that the Paris Agreement calls for responses to the urgent threat of climate change on the basis of “the best available scientific knowledge” including systematic observation “in a manner that informs climate services and supports decision-making”.
GEO-C, as a contribution of GEO to SBSTA, will result in “a coordinated system of observations for monitoring and evaluating changes in the carbon and related cycles, including greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions as they relate to human activities and their impacts on climate change”. The efforts in GEO-C will “provide decision-makers with timely and reliable policy-relevant information”.
The secretariat of GEO-C is hosted by ICOS. More information: Jouni Heiskanen, Scientific Integration and Liaison Officer, jouni.heiskanen (at) icos-ri.eu.
Check and download the GEO-C flyer here
GEO side-event will be followed by another ICOS contributed event on Wednesday 8th November called “Nordic Forest Innovations – Cascading use of wood in construction and other high value products (Climate-KIC)”, organized in the Nordic Pavilion.
On Thursday 9th November, ICOS ERIC Director General Werner Kutsch will talk about the knows and unknows of the greenhouse gas measurements at the German Pavilion, and on the following day, Friday 10th, he will participate in a brief summary of the topics discussed during the Arctic Day at the Nordic Pavilion.
Read more about the UN COP 23 events contributed by ICOS below:
Wednesday 8th Nov | 13:15–14:45 Meeting Room 11
Integrated observations for mitigation & adaptation and Practical support to Parties
Building partnerships to promote integrated climate observations is key in implementing a global observing system. Cooperation mechanisms also provide support to Parties by enabling continued operation of climate stations of major importance. A special focus will be put on Pacific Island nations.
Wednesday 8th Nov 14:30–15:30, Nordic Pavilion
Nordic Forest Innovations – Cascading use of wood in construction and other high value products (Climate-KIC)
Highlighting perspectives on how Nordic forest innovations can result in an increased use of wood in construction and other high-value products. Under which conditions do value chains, from forest growth to wood-based products in construction, can be intepreted as carbon sinks or sources?
Thursday 9th Nov | 12:30–13:30 German Pavilion
German Science Hour - The fate of greenhouse gases: the knowns and unknowns
Greenhouse gas emissions are highest in human history. What do we know about the carbon cycle? Which methods are used to observe greenhouse gas fluxes from land, ocean, and in the atmosphere?
Friday 10th Nov 17:00–17:30, Nordic Pavilion
Arctic Day: Afternoon brief
Werner Kutsch, ICOS Director General, in a brief summary of the topics discussed during the Arctic Day at the Nordic Pavilion and on the challenges of climate change in the Arctic region.
Check and download the flyer of ICOS participation in the UN COP 23 here