What is GCW?
The cryosphere — snow, glaciers, ice sheets and shelves, permafrost and seasonally frozen ground, sea ice, and lake and river ice — is a fundamental component of the Earth system. The cryosphere is undergoing rapid change, with consequences for climate, water resources, sea level, ecosystems, infrastructure, livelihoods, and natural hazards worldwide. Addressing these impacts requires sustained, internationally coordinated observations and the timely exchange of high-quality, interoperable data and metadata.
GCW supports WMO Members through coordinated observations, standards, data exchange, and scientific collaboration. Its mandate, governance and strategic context are set out in relevant WMO governing body decisions and reports.
Governance
How GCW is Organized?
The Advisory Group on the Global Cryosphere Watch (AG-GCW) operates under INFCOM and focuses on coordinating the technical and operational aspects of the GCW, particularly cryosphere observations, data management and applications.
- Expert Team on the GCW Expert Network (ET-GCWEN)
- Task Team on the Cryosphere and Polar Observation from Space (TT-CPOS)
- National Focal Points for GCW
At the broader strategic level, the Panel on Polar and High Mountain Observations, Research, and Services (PHORS) provides strategic advice to the WMO Executive Council on polar and high-mountain observations, research and services, promoting coordination across WMO bodies and international partners.
Events
Genève, Switzerland
