Average global temperatures are at a historically high level, ice and snow cover is disappearing fast and sea levels are rising. In addition, severe weather situations have become more frequent and more extreme. There is clear evidence that the temperature of the Earth’s atmosphere and oceans has increased throughout the last century: 11 of the 12 years in the period 1995 – 2006 were among the 12 warmest since 1850 – climate change is a reality.

EUMETSAT’s mission is to provide satellite-based Climate Data Records over decades with the highest possible level of accuracy, reliability and stability. EUMETSAT’s satellites of the Meteosat and Metop series, therefore, continuously and reliably monitor the Earth and its atmosphere. They do so with large temporal and spacial coverage – and with a long-term perspective. EUMETSAT’s robust and sustained satellite systems also include the data processing and archiving processes that are needed to provide reliable information on the status and dynamics of the Earth’s climate. The organisation is thus uniquely equipped to support both scientists and policy makers in their efforts.

At the same time EUMETSAT , together with its partners, is spearheading the overall effort to define a comprehensive, global, space-based climate monitoring system to address the challenges posed by global climate change.

Click here to read about global sea levels.

Global Sea Levels

“Whether the faster rate for 1993 to 2003 reflects a decadal variation or an increase in the longer-term trend is unclear”
Source: IPCC report

The rise of global sea levels is a clear indicator of global warming. According to the Fourth IPCC Report published in 2007 the “Global average sea level has risen since 1961 at an average rate of 1.8 mm/yr and since 1993 at 3.1. mm/yr with contributions from thermal expansion, melting glaciers and ice caps, and the polar ice sheets.”

A variety of methods are used to observe these sea level trends (e.g. buoys and floats) but only satellite-based ocean altimetry is truly capable of observing the rise of sea levels continuously over long timescales. Also, satellite altimetry can observe the variations of sea level rise in a reliable fashion and provide a basis for proper interpretation.

In order to achieve an unbroken record a series of Ocean observers have been monitoring the mean sea level trend since the launch of TOPEX/Poseidon in 1992. Jason-2 was launched in June 2008, and is the third ocean altimetry satellite to continue the ongoing monitoring of the mean sea level trend from space. EUMETSAT now distributes oceanographic data and near-real time products based on Jason-2 observations via its flexible dissemination system for environmental data, EUMETCast. Discussions are under way for a follow on satellite to take over from Jason-2 in the 2012 timeframe to ensure an unbroken chain of observations.

Further information
Responding to the climate challenge Earth observation data from space play a crucial role in understanding the current state of the climate and how it may evolve.	Global solutions through networks Climate Change is a global challenge and therefore requires a coordinated global response.
The EUMETSAT contribution Through its operational mandate and long experience EUMETSAT is in an ideal position to contribute to climate monitoring.