Project Description

Word Meteorological Organization (WMO) and Atmosphere and Climate Competence Center (ACCC) in collaboration with the local host Institute for Atmospheric and Earth System Research (INAR), University of Helsinki organized  a “Towards Global Earth Observatory workshop” on 8 – 10 May 2023 at the Stations Measuring Ecosystem and Atmosphere Relations (SMEAR) II station in Hyytiälä, Finland (https://www.helsinki.fi/en/research-stations/hyytiala-forestry-field-station).

The Global Earth Observatory WS was aimed at bridging networks towards “integrated climate and environment” relevant observation and to discuss, how to best integrate different in situ environmental data and how to best seamlessly bridge the in-situ data with the remote sensing data and models. During the WS we discussed integrative approaches such as methods, databases, in-situ stations co-location and co-data etc. aspects. Fundamental aspect is that Big data is needed to solve Global Grand Challenges like climate change, air pollution, food production and to meet the UN SDGs. Furthermore, Big data is needed to carry out research such as analysis of Earth surface – atmosphere interactions and feedbacks and to provide services to the society. Integrated observation systems would provide steps towards implementation of the future research infrastructures (RIs) and generating big open data.

Large number of research infrastructures and station networks were presented in Hyytiälä. These include RIs like ICOS ERIC, ACTRIS, LifeWatch ERIC, eLTER and JaLTER. In addition marine-in-situ observations (e.g. EMBRC-ERIC, IOC-UNESCO / IODE Ocean Data and Information System, European Multidisciplinary Seafloor and Water Column Observatory, SAEON, EFTEON), remote sensing / satellites (EUMETSAT, The European Plate Observing System (EPOS)) and the WMO coordinated RI activities were discussed. Altogether 46 participants around the World participated the WS. As the major outcome we summarized our views contributing the EVE White paper  and Berlin Summit to be taken place in July 3-7, 2023 in Germany (https://eve4climate.org/).

Agenda (pdf)

Further information

Markku Kulmala markku.kulmala(at)helsinki.fi

Hanna Lappalainen hanna.k.lappalainen(at)helsinki.fi