The 2006 IPCC Guidelines for National GHG Inventories currently indicates that satellite data has limitations in spatial, vertical and temporal resolution. However, the IPCC Guidelines will be updated and released in 2019, and update of verification guidance with respect to atmospheric measurement and new datasets is expected. This creates the possibility that the update will include use of GHG observation data from satellites. CEOS has accumulated GHG scientific data by satellites such as GOSAT and OCO-2, and more satellites will follow. Thus, CEOS engagement with IPCC and efforts to support this update are important for EO data uptake in Climate actions.
JAXA and NIES concluded the agreement with ESA, CNES, and DLR respectively for provision of reliable and consistent satellite GHG data and promotion of satellite GHG data utilization. JAXA and NASA have been conducting Inter-Comparison between GOSAT & OCO-2. AC-VC GHG White paper was accepted at CEOS Plenary 2018 for an endorsement. MOE/NIES released "Guidebook on the use of satellite GHG observation data to evaluate and improve GHG emission inventories" in March 2018. JAXA, together with GEO and the other partners, hosted 3 side events related to GHG at COP23 in Germany. CEOS has also input comments to the IPCC Guidelines Refinement process through its expert review and will also input to its government review.
2019 Refinement to the 2006 IPCC Guidelines for National Greenhouse GAS Inventories was adopted during the 49th Session of the IPCC in May 2019.
The refinement includes information on potential contribution of space-based observation for comparison with greenhouse gas emission estimates, drawing attention to data from ENVISAT/SCHIAMACY, GOSAT and OCO-2. Refinement guidelines also recognize that supporting GHG inventories by satellite with inverse model still face challenges and is in the experimental stage.