Climate data records at a glance

Essential Climate Variables – key indicators of Earth's changing climate

Research teams contributing to the ESA Climate Change Initiative have developed long-term satellite records of key aspects of the Earth system that address Essential Climate Variables as defined by the Global Climate Observing System (GCOS).

These climate data records support the efforts of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change in their work to monitor, assess and address changes to the Earth's climate system. Essential Climate Variables (ECVs) are critical indicators that provide a comprehensive overview of climate change on a global scale. These physical, chemical and biological variables are fundamental to understanding the Earth's climate system.