About Global Greenhouse Gas Watch (GGGW)

Context:

The World Meteorological Congress has approved a new greenhouse gas (GHG) monitoring initiative called Global Greenhouse Gas Watch (GGGW).

Relevance:

GS III: Environment and Ecology

Dimensions of the Article:

1. About Global Greenhouse Gas Watch (GGGW):
2. World Meteorological Organisation (WMO)

Global Greenhouse Gas Watch (GGGW)

• The Global Greenhouse Gas Watch (GGGW) is an initiative of the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) focused on monitoring greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
• GGGW aims to address information gaps by providing an integrated and operational framework that brings together space-based and surface-based observing systems, as well as modeling and data assimilation capabilities.
• This initiative builds upon the WMO’s expertise in coordinating international collaboration for weather prediction and climate analysis, leveraging its long-standing activities in GHG monitoring and research under the guidance of the Global Atmosphere Watch, established in 1989.
• GGGW takes a top-down approach to flux evaluation, utilizing existing capabilities in surface- and space-based observations and modeling to ensure the timely exchange of all observations and data.

Main components of GGGW include:

• Comprehensive and sustained global observations of CO2, methane, and nitrous oxide concentrations, partial column amounts, total column amounts, vertical profiles, and fluxes. These observations support the monitoring of oceanic, meteorological, and terrestrial variables and are exchanged internationally as quickly as possible.
• Prior estimates of GHG emissions based on activity data and process-based models.
• Global high-resolution Earth system models that represent GHG cycles.
• Data assimilation systems that combine observations with model calculations to generate more accurate products.

World Meteorological Organisation (WMO)

• The World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations (UN) responsible for meteorology, climate, operational hydrology, and related geophysical sciences.
• It serves as the authoritative voice within the UN system regarding the state and behavior of the Earth’s atmosphere, its interaction with the oceans, climate patterns, and the distribution of water resources.
• WMO plays a vital role in coordinating international efforts to monitor and assess atmospheric and climate systems, promoting research, facilitating data exchange, and providing weather and climate information for sustainable development.

History:

• The origins of WMO can be traced back to the International Meteorological Organization (IMO), established in 1873.
• In 1950, WMO was officially established as the specialized agency of the UN for meteorology, operational hydrology, and related geophysical sciences.
• Building upon the foundation laid by the IMO, WMO has expanded its scope and activities to address the evolving challenges in meteorology and climate science.

Headquarters and Membership:

• The headquarters of WMO is located in Geneva, Switzerland.
• Currently, WMO has a membership of 193 countries and territories, representing virtually all nations across the globe. The membership reflects the global recognition of the importance of international cooperation in meteorology, climate, and hydrology.

Governance Structure:

The governance structure of WMO comprises several key bodies responsible for policy-making, decision-making, and the day-to-day operations of the organization:

World Meteorological Congress:

• The World Meteorological Congress is the supreme body of WMO.
• It convenes at least every four years and brings together representatives from all member countries.
• The Congress establishes general policies, adopts regulations, and provides strategic guidance to WMO.

Executive Council:

• The Executive Council consists of 37 members, including the President and Vice-Presidents.
• It meets annually to implement policies and decisions made by the World Meteorological Congress.
• The Executive Council oversees the day-to-day operations and management of WMO.

Technical Commissions and Regional Associations:

• WMO operates through a network of technical commissions and regional associations.
• Technical commissions focus on specific areas of meteorology, hydrology, and related disciplines.
• Regional associations facilitate regional cooperation and the exchange of meteorological and hydrological information.

Secretariat:

• The Secretariat, headed by the Secretary-General, is responsible for the coordination and administration of WMO activities.
• It supports the implementation of policies and decisions made by the World Meteorological Congress and Executive Council.
• The Secretariat serves as the central hub for data exchange, research coordination, and capacity building initiatives.

Source: Down to Earth