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O
bserving
, P
redicting
and
P
rojecting
C
limate
C
onditions
towards science-based climate services and operational
climate prediction.
Meeting the objectives proposed for the provision
of climate services by WCC-3 will require significant
further progress in knowledge on modelling, observa-
tions, impact and vulnerability assessments, research on
adaptation, and also on the transition of research into
the operational domain.
With regard to modelling activities, some remark-
able projects funded by the EC such as Dynamite,
6
Ensembles
7
and Amma
8
have been instrumental in
developing climate modelling capacities, improving climate
forecasts, measuring their accuracy and addressing the
regional aspects of climate projections. Results from these
projects have played an important part in the prepara-
tion of the IPCC 4th Assessment Report. Further model
developments are expected from a project recently started,
Combine.
9
New projects with relevance to IPCC assess-
ments take into consideration needs for the preparation of
the IPCC 5th Assessment Report.
Regarding observations, the EC is a key supporter of
major international initiatives such as the Group on Earth
Observations,
10
and implements additional programmes
in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and congestion. This
involves ‘greening’ air transport by developing technologies to reduce
the environmental impact of aviation, with the aim of halving carbon
dioxide emissions from their current level. Surface transport can also
be greener by developing technologies and knowledge to reduce air
pollution (including emissions of greenhouse gases). Finally, research
on the use of alternative fuels for transport, particularly hydrogen, is
financially supported.
Space and global monitoring
Climate change can be monitored through Earth observation includ-
ing from satellite systems. This involves developing appropriate
satellite-based monitoring and early warning systems, for environ-
ment assessments and protection issues.
The European Commission has prepared an overview of completed
and ongoing climate research projects funded since 2003 for World
Climate Conference-3 (WCC-3).
5
The 134 EC-funded research
projects included in this overview involve an overall budget of
EUR543 million of EC funding. These projects contribute signifi-
cantly to knowledge on climate change and its impacts through
modelling and observations activities – including evaluation of the
costs of response strategies (mitigation and adaptation). This research
offers key contributions to the efforts launched by WCC-3 in moving
Environment research strengthens understanding and prediction of climate change, as well as our capacity to manage and adapt to it