From 2 to 5 June 2025, representatives of the World Meteorological Organization's (WMO) Global Greenhouse Gas Watch initiative (G3W) joined in Evian (France), to participate in the 53rd Plenary Session of the Coordination Group for Meteorological Satellites (CGMS). The event reflected a growing consensus: the future of Earth observations (EO) is more complex and need - more than ever - efficient collaboration between all stakeholders.
A Changing EO Landscape
During the session, participants stressed that the scope and complexity of spatial and climate monitoring are evolving. The proliferation of actors - public and private - in the EO ecosystem, the increasing use of artificial intelligence and the emergence of new global challenges are reshaping the value chain of Earth observations. At the same time, several backbone missions are likely to continue to be crucial for monitoring and forecasting applications.
Satellite data now provides most inputs into numerical weather prediction models, resulting in more accurate forecasts, better disaster preparedness and deeper understanding of the climate system.
Ensuring Cohesion and Data Accessibility
A key theme at CGMS-53 was the importance of coordinated action between CGMS and WMO to support an EO system that remains robust and inclusive.
Participants noted the emerging opportunity to integrate private-sector data, while maintaining the coherence and interoperability of the existing global EO infrastructure.
As outlined in its Unified Data Policy , the WMO reaffirmed its commitment to unrestricted and open access to core satellite data. This principle is essential to ensuring that satellite-derived information remains a global public good, accessible to all countries, particularly those with limited observational capacity.
Nir Stav, Albert Fischer, Gianpaolo Balsamo and Natalia Donoho emphasized WMO's ongoing role in:
- Coordinating with CGMS space agencies
- Updating the WMO Integrated Global Observing System (WIGOS) Vision extending to 2050, to reflect the rapid changes in various observing tools and observation needs such as the recent evolution of AI/ML prediction systems)
- Transitioning to the new WMO Information System (WIS 2.0) allowing modern and better access and discoverability of data
- Advancing the Early Warnings for All (EW4All), the Global Cryosphere Watch (GCW) and the Global Greenhouse Gas ( G3W ) initiative - helping saving life and property, adapting to Climate change, monitoring existing and emerging hazards and tracking the Essential Climate Variables (ECVs).
G3W Implementation Plan: A Shared Commitment
Space agencies confirmed their continued support for the G3W Implementation Plan (G3W-IP), which aims to deliver objective and continuous estimates of global carbon net fluxes.
This commitment is vital for strengthening international greenhouse gas monitoring efforts and enabling more targeted climate action.
Regarding this, three major announcements stood out:
- The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) confirmed the upcoming launch of GOSAT-GW in late June.
- The French National Centre for Space Studies (CNES) together with the European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites (EUMETSAT) announced the July launch of MicroCarb.
- The Chinese National Satellite Meteorological Center (NSMC) of the Chinese Meteorological Agency (CMA) announced the FY-3D and FY-3H launches later in 2025 as well as the TANSAT-2 and DQ-2 foreseen to launch in 2026.
- The Copernicus Anthropogenic Carbon Dioxide (CO2M) mission developed by the European Space Agency (ESA) and operated by EUMETSAT will follow from 2027 with a constellation of three satellites CO2M-A, CO2M-B, CO2M-C.
These missions will significantly enhance global GHG data collection, offering improved spatial and temporal resolution. They mark a pivotal step in the operationalization of G3W, well aligned with the CEOS/CGMS Greenhouse Gas Roadmap .
And as WMO Deputy Secretary General, Ko Barrett, underlined
powerful EO is about the quality, quantity, and diversity of the data we provide. In this new era, satellite observations will be more valuable than ever, fuel for an intelligent, responsive forecasting system that can serve humanity.
Looking Ahead
The CGMS-53 Plenary reaffirmed the collective will to strengthen the global EO infrastructure through cooperation, transparency, and shared innovation.
As new satellites prepare for launch, the global community moves closer to a future where real-time, actionable weather and climate data is available to all - helping protect lives, support adaptation and mitigation - building a more resilient world.
