Climate Observations

The Climate Observation Division's mission is to provide long-term, high quality, timely, global observational data, information and products in support of climate, Arctic, weather, and ocean research communities, forecasters, and other service providers and users, for the benefit of society.  

Program activities aim to:

1. Build and sustain a global climate observing system according to climate monitoring principles
2. Develop and maintain long time-series indicators of climate variability and change
3. Develop and maintain standard data sets for initialization and evaluation of climate forecast models, assessments of climate change, and informed risk management
4. Develop informational products, diagnostics, and assessments of observed climate variability and change on global to regional scales  

The resulting global observations and products contribute to other NOAA Programs, national and international capabilities aimed at understanding, modeling, and forecasting of the earth system, as well as developing targeted information to better inform society about changes of the earth system, including better response options.  Access to these global observations and analyses of observational data has provided our Nation with invaluable information needed to better minimize climate-related risk and maximize climate-related opportunities. The program also provides data and information management support for national and international climate assessments. The Climate Observation Division supports and coordinates its observing efforts with other activities in NOAA, other federal agencies, as well as international partners.