An Integrated Global Greenhouse Gas Information System (IG3IS) Science Implementation Plan

The implementation of the Paris Agreement will require countries and sub-national entities to take actions to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases in optimal way. To assist the countries in meeting their commitments the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and its partners have initiated the development of an Integrated Global Greenhouse Gas Information System (IG3 IS). IG3 IS looks to serve users (decision-makers) who are able to take action to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases and pollutants that reduce air quality. This service is based on existing and successful methods and use-cases for which the scientific and technical skill is proven or emerging. The Science Implementation Plan presents the suite of the technical solutions that are available to address articulated user needs on different scale (from national to facility). It also paves the way for development of future solutions where additional research is required.

This document presents the main principles of the IG3 IS Implementation. The choice of the objective to be implemented has to be made by the countries or subnational implementation bodies/practitioners. For each individual objective the plan presents the available and proven tools based on measurements and model analyses. It summarizes key elements required to implement individual solution. The plan describes the approach to the modelling coordination activities to ensure harmonized and quality assured global implementation and compatibility of the products delivered on different scales. 

This science implementation plan documents the “good practice” methodological guidelines for how atmospheric measurements and analysis methods can deliver valuable information under each objective area. And this plan, and the team that prepared it, will serve to guide WMO members and their partners in the definition and implementation of new IG3 IS projects that apply and advance these “good practice” capabilities. The plan will evolve overtime to respond to new policy challenges and to capture emerging capabilities.