CGIAR@COP30: Research & Systematic Observation Negotiation Updates

Robust climate action rests on a foundation of sound science and data. The UNFCCC’s agenda item on Research and Systematic Observation (RSO) exists to strengthen that foundation – ensuring that policymakers are informed by the latest research and that critical climate data is being collected and shared. At COP30, the RSO track may not grab headlines, but its outcomes underlie everything else. This year, a major focus is expected to be on enhancing climate observation systems (like weather stations, satellite networks, ocean buoys) and improving how scientific findings (think IPCC reports, indigenous knowledge, and big data analytics) feed into policy. There’s also an emphasis on emerging initiatives such as the Early Warnings for All (EW4All) campaign which CGIAR participated in via webinars, which aims for universal climate hazard early warning coverage by 2027 – a goal heavily reliant on systematic observations. Progress was made at COP29 in recognizing these links: the RSO conclusions from Baku reinforced the need for open data-sharing and fit-for-purpose Earth observation technologies, validating efforts to advance “Earth Intelligence for All” In simpler terms, negotiators agreed that better climate data and accessible tools are fundamental to both mitigation and adaptation, from tracking emissions to forecasting extreme weather. As Belém hosts COP30, Brazil’s presidency – with its science and innovation focus – is likely to carry this forward, pushing for stronger global cooperation in climate research and knowledge exchange.

CGIAR has recently started following this track, aiming to support with agrifood-system evidence and Earth/land–water observations into RSO dialogues and products, contributing to identifying research gaps and provide policy-relevant syntheses, so SBSTA decisions reflect actionable science on food, land and water.