Review of the World Climate Research Programme (2009)

Summary This report is the result of a review of the World Climate Research Programme (WCRP) carried out by a Review Panel appointed by its sponsors—the International Council for Science (ICSU), World Meteorological Organization (WMO), and the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO—and the International Group of Funding Agencies for Global Change Research (IGFA). The […]

Summary

This report is the result of a review of the World Climate Research Programme (WCRP) carried out by a Review Panel appointed by its sponsors—the International Council for Science (ICSU), World Meteorological Organization (WMO), and the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO—and the International Group of Funding Agencies for Global Change Research (IGFA). The review was under taken simultaneously with a review of the International Geosphere-Biosphere Programme (IGBP). The report consist s of three parts: an introductory chapter, a chapter on findings and other relevant information, and a chapter on recommendations. The Annexes present background information including a list of Review Panel members and the Terms of Reference for the Review.

In short, the WCRP Review Panel recognizes the many important achievements of this international scientific research programme, and we conclude that WCRP can play a significant role in helping society meet the challenges of global climate change. But at the present time, WCRP lacks the focus, planning, and funding to meet these challenges. WCRP must focus its Projects and connect with partners and users in strategic ways, and it will need new resources to do so. The Review Panel’s recommendations are aimed at building the necessary focus and connections into WCRP and its partnerships. In particular, WCRP should:

In addition,


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