There are a number of topics which are important for the different thematic research areas but which don't necessarily fit into any one area. Examples of such cross cutting issues include; data access, observation systems and modelling.
The EPA has established a national climate research data archive under the Environmental Research Centre (ERC). This archive is an open resource and is made available to all interested users. This centre will work with other data providers to meet national data requirements in line with the EU INSPIRE Directive and other initiatives e.g. Global Monitoring for Environment and Security (GMES). Consideration of data issues is outlined in an information paper entitled An analytical framework for a carbon neutral Ireland by 2050.
High quality, long term, systematic observations of key climate variables at local, regional and global levels are essential to improve understanding of climate change impacts and to plan for adaptation and management of these. In 2004 the World Meteorological Organisation published the implementation plan for the global climate observing system (GCOS) in support of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. An update will be published in 2010. This document identifies a series of essential atmospheric, oceanic and terrestrial climate variables that should be measured by signatories to the Convention to support actions on climate change.
Ireland particpates in the Global Carbon Observation System through the monitoting of Greenhouse Gases at key transbundary air pollution monitoring sites including Malin Head, Donegal, Carnsore Point, Wexford and Mace Head, Galway. We are also particpating in the International Carbon Observation System (ICOS) and fund research on Transboundary Air Polution and Greenhouse Gas flux from terrestial ecosystems.
You can watch the Carbon Monitoring Showcase from the Group on Earth Observations on YouTube.
A project to assess national contributions to GCOS in accordance with the guidelines established in the GCOS implementation plan was funded by the EPA. The project was led by the Environmental Protection Agency, Met Eireann (Ireland's meteorological organisation) and the Marine Institute. Following a consultation and assessment process, which involved meetings with key groups involved in provision of relevant observations, a report on Ireland’s contribution to GCOS was published. Ireland is now in the process of addressing issues raised in this report.
However, such global systems do not capture adequately the full observational needs for smaller countries and local areas. Therefore there was a need to review Ireland’s existing observational infrastructure, data accessibility and analysis capacity. This work identified the status of existing observation systems, and highlighted shortcomings and gaps. Based on this analysis a set of recommendations were made and an action plan put in place to address the needs for the collection and provision of the data and information that are required to improve understanding of climate change and its effects on Ireland.
Download Implementation of the Global Climate Observing System in Ireland report.
Download Current Status and Required Actions for National Climate Observing Systems report.
The aim of ICOS is to provide the long-term observations required to understand the present state and predict future behaviour of the global carbon cycle and greenhouse gas emissions. ICOS is a new European Research Infrastructure funded under the FP7 programme. The standardised network of greenhouse gas monitoring stations and ecosystem flux measurement sites will monitor and assess the effectiveness of carbon sequestration and/or greenhouse gases emission reduction activities on global atmospheric composition levels, including attribution of sources and sinks by region and sector.
Integrated assessment modelling has been advanced though development of GAINS Ireland. This project is developing and implementing a refined national version of the GAINS (Greenhouse gas-Air pollution Interactions and Synergies) model consistent with international developments. This will enable detailed national analyses of air quality and greenhouse gas emissions under a range of policy scenarios. The development of further modelling capacity has been advanced in a discussion paper following a workshop on these issues. This aims to provide a basis for further development of national capacity in an integrated manner.
