Toward the development of a comprehensive and integrated climatechange observation system:
Observations for the monitoring of clouds, aerosol and atmospheric radiation,and for the assessment of the impacts of climate change

Summary

March 2012
Scientific Advisory Boardof the Japanese Alliance for Climate Change Observation(JACCO)
Office for Coordination of Climate Change Observation(OCCCO),
supported by the Ministry of the Environment and the Japan Meteorological Agency

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Foreword
Climate change due to global warming is a pressing concern. In order to overcome this problem, it isessential to develop models that can predict future climate change, and to use observation data in monitoringsuch climate change and validating the model results. Recently, the Fourth Assessment Report of theIntergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has addressed the importance of observation data. To
enhance cooperation among ministries, agencies, and organizations related to Earth observation, which isaddressed in the “Earth Observation Promotion Strategy” formulated in 2004 by the Council for Science andTechnology Policy, the Japanese Alliance for Climate Change Observation (JACCO) and the Office for
Coordination of Climate Change Observation (OCCCO) have been established,.
The Scientific Working Group (WG), which was established under OCCCO to enhancecooperation, has investigated the requirements for observations related to climate change and published tworeports.
The reports of the Working Group address the present status, issues, and future prospects of mattersindispensable for the establishment of a comprehensive, coordinated, and sustained observational system
based on the present situation and future direction of climate change observation in Japan, and propose aclimate change observation system that should be established.
The reports have been submitted to the Earth Observation Promotion Commission of the Ministryof Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) as reference documents. OCCCO has also
already begun work on building some of the various inter-agency and/or interdisciplinary alliances (among
fields and institutes) mentioned in the reports.
The Second WG Report, published in September 2010, describes detailed investigations into theobservation of clouds, aerosols, atmospheric radiation, and tropospheric ozone, which would be at the core of
the climate change observation system; observations needed to assess the impacts of climate change(observations of the water cycle, which has a major impact on society, as well as ecosystems and thecryosphere, which are vulnerable to climate change); and the gathering of socio-economic data to be used for
detecting and predicting the impacts of climate change.
Because the Second WG Report is extensive, the Scientific Advisory Board of JACCO proposedthat this summary be issued for convenience in planning future policies, as in the case of the First WG
Report. This document was compiled as a summary of the complete report by the Scientific Advisory Board.
Please refer to the complete report for details.
I would like to express my gratitude to the members of the Scientific Advisory Board who havecontributed to this summary, and to the members of the Scientific Working Group (Chair: Akio Kito) who
have helped in preparing the Second WG Report.

September 2010
Isao Koike
Chair, Scientific Advisory Board of JACCO

Note: The Japanese version of this summary was issued in September 2010. This English version was issued
in March 2012, in response to requests by interested parties.

Chapter 1 Introduction
The government of Japan is pressed to take urgent actions and measures against the increasingly
serious problem of climate change due to global warming, for which comprehensive, coordinated, andsustained observations of the Earth are indispensable. Monitoring of the effects of actions for
mitigation of or adaptation to climate change should also be promoted, in addition to climate change
observation, particularly in order to fulfill Japan’s commitments as stipulated in the Kyoto Protocol.
To promote a close alliance among ministries, agencies, and organizations related to climatechange observation, the Scientific Working Group (WG) of the Office for Coordination of Climate
Change Observation (OCCCO) has investigated the requirements for climate change observation andissued two reports (hereinafter referred to as the “WG Reports”). These reports have been prepared toclarify the present status, issues, and future prospects of matters indispensable for the establishment of
a comprehensive, coordinated, and sustained climate change observation system, and to contribute tofuture policies by the Earth Observation Promotion Commission of the Ministry of Education, Culture,
Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) and relevant ministries, agencies, organizations, andinstitutes, on actions for mitigating or adapting to climate change.
The Second WG Report describes detailed investigations into the observation of clouds,
aerosols, atmospheric radiation, and tropospheric ozone, which would be at the core of the climatechange observation system; observations needed for assessing the impacts of climate change(observations of the water cycle, which has a major impact on society, as well as ecosystems and thecryosphere, which are vulnerable to global warming); and the gathering of socioeconomic data to be
used for detecting and predicting the impacts of climate change. A number of actions are ongoing inmany fields, despite the limited availability of human and monetary resources, and the report describes
these actions in detail and cites a host of opinions regarding observations to be continued and newobservations to be commenced.
In this summary, we have summarized the issues and future prospects for observations
described in detail in each chapter of the Second WG Report. Chapter 10 of this summary restates theactual activities to be performed for achieving the preferential goals summarized in the Second WG
Report. To achieve these goals, there is a need for measures to ameliorate the limitations on humanand monetary resources, promote education and training of the next generation, and establish acooperation system among related ministries, agencies, and organizations, so as to realize
comprehensive, coordinated, and sustained observations of the Earth. Moreover, the Earth Observation
Promotion Strategy (hereafter referred to as the “Promotion Strategy”) emphasizes the importance ofcollaboration among relevant ministries, agencies, and organizations, in order to implement long-termand continuous observation, and this should be investigated without delay by the Earth Observation
Promotion Commission and other commissions or groups.

Chapter 2 Observation of clouds, aerosols, and atmospheric radiation
Understanding the mechanisms of climate change and improving the accuracy of prediction are urgent
issues in climate change studies. Aerosols and clouds are closely related to the atmospheric radiation
balance and water cycle, and are key factors in the climate system, but uncertainties exist. Therefore,
the following actions should be promoted.
(1) Systems should be developed for monitoring the radiation balance because quantitative1

measurement of short-wave and long-wave radiation at the ground surface is insufficient. In
particular, a system needs to be urgently developed for calibrating infrared radiometers, for which
there is no internationally established standard method. It is also essential to maintain thesunphotometer standard (a standard based on the global standard of the World Radiation Center(WRC)). The possibility of using the standard lamp system should be investigated as well. Dataon the radiation balance collected by various institutes should be integrated, cooperation withinternational programs and institutes such as the Baseline Surface Radiation Network (BSRN)
should be enhanced, and an archive of long-term observation data should be promoted.
(2) There are systems for monitoring aerosols, including SKYNET, which is a surface observation
network in Asia equipped with a sky-radiometer and other instruments for monitoring aerosols
and atmospheric radiation. These observation networks are of global importance, and Japan needs
to establish a permanent and sustainable system for operating such networks. Japan is one of the
few countries possessing a lidar observation network. Action should be taken to develop amulti-wavelength lidar with high spectral resolution, which can monitor extinction coefficientprofiles with high sensitivity, day and night, as well as to improve the accuracy of monitored lidar
data and make effective use of the data, such as for the estimation of extinction coefficients bytype of aerosol. Furthermore, it is necessary to establish an observation system that uses aircraft
equipped with instruments for monitoring clouds, aerosols, and atmospheric radiation.
(3) Two programs should be proposed for satellite observation of clouds and aerosols: one forlong-term monitoring and the other for process studies. The ongoing Japan-EU joint project
entitled “Earth Clouds, Aerosols and Radiation Explorer (Earth CARE)”, and the satellite Aerosol,
Cloud, Ecosystem (ACE) observation system of the National Aeronautics and Space
Administration (NASA), which consists of passive and active sensors, are candidates as futurecores in the area of long-term monitoring.
(4) Data collected from various platforms, such as the surface and satellites, have been comparedwith values calculated using numerical models, and this has contributed to improvement of themodels. Such data have also been used to estimate the sources of aerosols and their precursors by
the inversion method. Recently, various methods have been developed for assimilating aerosoland cloud data. The assimilation of data into accurate numerical models must reflect anappropriate level of quality, and quality control of the observation data should be performed.

Chapter 3 Observation of tropospheric ozone
Tropospheric ozone, one of the greenhouse gases, and the cause of trans-boundary atmosphericpollution, has been gaining increasing attention as a key target of global observation. The
concentration of tropospheric ozone has risen at various rates depending on the region, and theincrease has been particularly fast in rapidly developing East Asia. Accurate, high-density, andlong-term observations are therefore indispensable for estimating the long-term trend on a global scale.
The entire troposphere, from the surface to the upper atmosphere, should also be thoroughly monitored
to collect scientific knowledge on intercontinental long-distance transport. The following actions
should therefore be promoted.
(1) To standardize the scales of ozone concentration observations in Japan, the reference photometer(SRP) No. 35, maintained by the National Institute for Environmental Studies (NIES), should be
utilized, along with the UV scale based on the international system. The availability of2

observation data from relevant observation platforms should be improved by coordinating thetiming of calibration, and by comparing the data. The intercomparison, therefore, should be
conducted on a continuous basis.
(2) Methods for collecting and providing observation data should be further improved, including
providing data in near-real time and establishing an integrated database of monitoring data fromall the institutes in Japan. Moreover, data utilization should be advanced by promoting dataexchanges via the World Data Center for Greenhouse Gases (WDCGG), established under the
Global Atmosphere Watch Program of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO/GAW),
and operated by the Japan Meteorological Agency.
(3) Activities for analyzing phenomena, and verifying and assimilating data, should be promoted byobserving tropospheric ozone not only from the ground surface but also from aircraft and vessels,
observing the vertical distribution of ozone by using ozone lidars and ozonesondes, collecting
data from satellites, forming a data collection network for the whole of Japan, integrating various
observation data, and obtaining precise and dense three-dimensional data in terms of both timeand space. Continuous and long-term observation of tropospheric ozone from ground stations inpolar regions is also needed.
(4) As a basis for understanding the actual status and processes of, as well as changes in, regional
atmospheric pollution in the northern hemisphere and East Asia, ozone and its precursors should
be monitored near their sources, and international cooperation should be promoted to enhanceobservation in the Asian continent.

Chapter 4 Water cycle
A large part of the impact of climate change on human society and ecosystems appears in forms
related to changes in the water cycle. Continuous monitoring of the water cycle, and development ofadvanced monitoring systems, are not only required for scientific purposes, but requisites for meetingthe demands of society. Water cycle observation is essential, and some issues exist.
The temporal and spatial distribution and resolution of available data are insufficient. Some
data are stored but unused at institutes of various countries, causing a reduction of data availability. In
addition, data in a standard user-friendly format are limited. To resolve these issues, the following
measures can be adopted.
(1) The importance of establishing systems for long-term and continuous observation from theground should be recognized, and technical assistance should be provided to those such as
developing countries.
(2) To improve the temporal and spatial distribution and resolution of ground observation data,
assimilated data should be produced by comprehensively integrating ground observation data,
numerical models, and satellite data. To achieve this goal, it is indispensable to assist developing
countries in performing observations, and to rescue, archive and digitize data monitored in thepast in developing countries.
(3) A system should be established in which data are easy to access and obtain, by promoting the
distribution of ground and satellite observation data in a unified format throughout various
countries.
(4) An organization should be established for integrating, managing, and stably providing water cycle
observation data, in order to avoid undue reliance on limited-term projects.

3Satellite observation is a key method for monitoring the water cycle in a large area over thelong term, and will help to solve these problems. Japan is planning two satellite observation projects
related to the water cycle. It is important to steadily implement the Global Change Observation
Mission (GCOM) and Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) with international cooperation. Japan
should also expand activities which, through satellite observation, generate new scientific knowledge
or create products that will lead to further improvement in social welfare. Once established, theorganization mentioned above will play a central role in the development of satellite observation andthe promotion of the utilization of collected data.

Chapter 5 Cryosphere
The Earth’s cryosphere is expected to be rapidly altered by climate change, and this alteration ispredicted to further accelerate global warming. Examples of apparent ongoing phenomena include
shrinkage in the coverage of the sea ice in the Arctic Ocean, retreating glaciers, and reduction inpermafrost, snow cover, and ice sheets. The cryosphere is characterized by time constants of several
tens to several thousand years, as well as short time constants. It is therefore a matter of urgency tomonitor such changes and clarify the response mechanisms, by establishing monitoring systems.
The cryosphere affects the global climate via the albedo feedback mechanism, the water
cycle, sea-level rise, the release of greenhouse gases, and impact on human activities. In order tounderstand the processes involved, assess their impact, and develop and implement measures forlong-term observation and data archive, the following actions should be taken with respect to thecryosphere.
(1) The network for monitoring changes in the cryosphere should be strengthened, and a sustainable
monitoring system should be established.
Global and regional monitoring systems and regional process studies, with international andnationwide cooperation, are required. An efficient and sustainable system should be establishedfor collecting data, by improving ongoing regional monitoring activities and promoting
collaborative utilization of observation facilities. Observation methods and elements, such as
supersites, distribution-type observation networks, and traverse observations on land, as well as
observation by vessels and automatic observation in the marine environment, should be enhanced,
and related equipment should be developed.
(2) An integrated analysis system should be established by collecting and maintaining the quality ofsatellite and ground observation data.
Cryospheric data are often collected through individual process studies, and there is noorganization in charge of such data archives. Therefore, there are few datasets available toresearchers and related institutes. Satellite and ground observation data products should bearchived, managed, and provided, by unifying the metadata and format of the datasets possessedby observation institutes. The management system also requires enhancement of product quality
by improving the method of acquiring data from satellites, as well as development of the methods
for integrated analysis.
(3) A core organization for assessing and predicting the impacts of climate change should beestablished by promoting continuous monitoring of the cryosphere and utilization of the resulting
data.

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Few observational elements concerning the cryosphere have been collected and used, andcontinuous observation is difficult. To understand the changes caused by climate change, and theirpotential impact, a core organization which takes charge of efficient, systematic, andcomprehensive management of cryospheric data, and promotes interdisciplinary cooperation,
should be established.

Chapter 6 Ecosystems
Many factors influence the state of and changes in an ecosystem, therefore studies should be
conducted continuously over the long term by establishing various research targets and collecting
information. Issues to be investigated urgently, in order to understand the long-term changes inecosystems, and the mechanisms involved, are listed below.
(1) There are still large spatial gaps in ground observation, satellite observation, and large-scalemodels of ecosystems. It is therefore important to reduce these gaps and identify consistencies.
An advanced monitoring system including large-scale field experiments should be established andmaintained over the long term for supersites. The supersites here are regarded as observation sites,on land or in coastal zones, covered by multiple ecological networks such as the Japan Long
Term Ecological Research Network (JaLTER), JapanFlux, or Monitoring Sites 1000, to name afew. In order to enlarge the monitoring areas and reduce spatial gaps in observations, fieldobservation bases in alpine and warm-temperate zones, in Japan and in the Asian and Eurasianregions, should be established and maintained over the long term.
(2) Observation of ecosystems is directly related to biodiversity in many respects, and only a few
items can be monitored using present sensing technologies. In many cases, ecosystems are
difficult to observe automatically, causing delays in automatic data processing and data
assimilation. Technological development and capacity enhancement are strongly required.
(3) In order to scale up information monitored at surface observation stations, ultra-high resolution
satellite sensors should be developed, and satellite observation systems should be established,targeting the Asian and Eurasian regions around Japan, in concert with geostationary satellites.
Tight integration with relevant ecosystem observation should also be promoted.
(4) To promote modeling using ground and satellite observation data on ecosystems, a databasesystem with an open data policy and well-documented metadata, as well as a center for
integrating and analyzing various observation data, should be established. It is also important toestablish a comprehensive system for the observation of ecosystems and biodiversity, in order topromote large-scale remote sensing observations, verify the results of model output using
observation data, and improve the accuracy of model calculation.
(5) Most ecosystem observation networks have no long-term financial support from the government.
Researchers themselves should apply for short-term competitive funds for managing andmaintaining observation systems and administering databases. Immediate action should beconsidered.

Chapter 7 Socioeconomic data
The impacts of climate change on the human living environment generally involve various
mechanisms and social conditions closely related to regional characteristics. To appropriately assess5these impacts and develop and implement measures, detailed information of regional climate change
observation, along with prediction information, must be available, and social and economic data thatreflect the characteristics of each region should be accumulated, managed, and disseminated. However,such information is certainly insufficient today. The majority of socioeconomic data has not been
managed for use in research related to climate change, and data sharing and information availability
details are also insufficient. Information should be exchanged, classified, and shared among ministries
and agencies, as part of an effective and efficient communication system. Urgent issues are
summarized below.
(1) Collection and preparation of socioeconomic data covering large areas, along with related
geographical information
To analyze the impacts of climate change on human society, comprehensive analyses should be
conducted, and the results should be used to identify particularly vulnerable regions and sectors.
For this purpose, socioeconomic data covering large areas should be collected and provided,
along with related geographical information, as has typically been the case for data on population.
The socioeconomic data should not be limited to statistical information on observation data in thepast, but should also include information related to future scenarios, in order to meet the needs ofusers (researchers on the impacts of climate change and administrators involved in adaptation
measures).
(2) Collection and provision of regional data
To precisely analyze the impacts of climate change on human society, and investigate adaptation
measures, information on regional characteristics is required, as well as spatial socioeconomic
data covering large areas, such as population data. Regional information includes not only
quantitative data that can be readily compared with data of other regions, but also qualitative
information such as disasters experienced by residents in the past, and traditionally practiced
control and mitigation measures. Documents of regional disaster prevention meetings and local
administrative plans may also be useful for investigating adaptation measures. Local informationand experience should be digitized, shared among regions, and used for risk assessment andmanagement.
(3) Collection and provision of information on future scenarios
Appropriate socioeconomic scenarios that are consistent with assumed scenarios of climatechange should be formulated for predicting the impacts on human society. Appropriate rules
should be determined for describing metadata, and a system for sharing datasets, including
information on uncertainties, should be established to promote studies on the impacts of climatechange.

Chapter 8

Issues related to integration of ground and satellite
observation data

The Earth’s environment is constituted by a broad range of scientific and social factors that interact
with each other in a complex manner. It is therefore essential to intensively monitor certain targets
using various methods such as ground observation and remote sensing via satellites, and tocomprehensively understand and interpret the Earth’s environment based on the acquired datasets.
Issues to be resolved concerning today’s research system in Japan, in order to implement integrated
Earth observation by means of various ground and satellite observations are:6

(1) a lack of sustainable, enduring human and monetary resources for Earth observation;(2) problems related to the accuracy of observation data and mutual utilization; and(3) insufficient technologies for the use of integrated data compiled by interdisciplinary cooperation,and insufficient human resources for the development of such technologies.
The following actions in particular are needed to cope with these issues. For comprehensive,
coordinated, and sustained observations of the Earth, efficient use must be made of the limited humanand monetary resources of individual observation stations and groups. It is strongly recommended toappropriately overlap observation sites, and maintain them over the long term, by constructing andjointly operating monitoring sites and areas (supersites) so that observation networks, such as for the
carbon cycle, water cycle, cryosphere, or atmospheric chemicals, and verification sites for satellite
observation, overlap as much as possible.
To improve data accuracy and encourage data sharing, satellite sensors should becontinuously operated over two or more generations to support long-term Earth observation, andinter-generational calibration should be performed to maintain the accuracy of observation. The
accuracy of radiation monitoring should be improved and controlled over the long term byimmediately establishing a system for calibrating the radiation for each wavelength monitored at
ground stations and by satellites. Actions should also be taken to improve the technologies forobserving common and indispensable parameters in various fields, such as land cover, biomass,precipitation, and snow depth.
Actions to be taken with respect to human resources are described in Chapter 9.

Chapter 9 Human resources development
In all areas investigated and summarized in this report, the necessity for human resources development
has been emphasized, addressing the need to train people who can take charge of implementing
observations related to climate change, and of managing and analyzing the data. Human resources
development in science and technology faces a number of serious problems, however, such as adecrease in the number of elementary and middle school students who are interested in science, fewer
graduate students going on to doctoral studies, and fewer employment opportunities for postdoctoral
fellows. General issues in the field of Earth observation are listed below.
(1) Human resources development from a long-term point of view
Developing trained personnel is the most critical factor for long-term operation of observation
systems. Because research projects are generally revised every five years, the human resources
are limited. Insufficient numbers of experts in charge of maintaining observation instruments andfacilities over the long term creates difficulties in addressing contingencies (such as power supply
failures). The number of people, particularly young people, engaged in observation at overseas
observation stations has decreased. Therefore, national and/or international systems should beestablished for training experts who can perform observations at such stations and/or at remotelocations, and use the data obtained. Schemes should also be investigated that allow non-experts
to participate in observations.
(2) Human resources development for improving observation and analytical technologies via
research exchange
Human resources possessing broad knowledge and deep perception of the global environment are7

indispensable for appropriate utilization and understanding of more complex numerical models,and for further improvement in these models through comparisons with long-term observation
data. The requisite abilities depend on competence in basic sciences such as mathematics andphysics, and therefore reliable education in the basic sciences should be provided at universities(both general and special courses), in order to cope with today’s needs for the study of complex
systems such as the global environment. To improve the skills of researchers in performing
observations and analyzing data, substantial and consistent education should be provided.
Furthermore, opportunities for training young researchers, exchanging information, and making
proposals for future research plans, should be increased by holding workshops and training
seminars.
(3) Human resources development to improve comprehensive skills in data utilization
Knowledge in various fields should be integrated to effectively utilize data collected by groundand satellite observations, monitor changes in climate and the global environment, and predict
future changes. To integrate knowledge more effectively, researchers are expected to improvetheir capabilities in data utilization, such as the ability to understand the characteristics of various
datasets (meanings and errors of observation data, space- and time-coverage, data formats, etc.),
to process and analyze large amounts of data, to interpret data from a comprehensive point ofview, and to apply knowledge and information to numerical models. Observation data will beable to be used in an integrated and effective manner by integrating remote sensing data fromsatellites and in situ observation data. Sustainable capability-enhancing activities are strongly
required, in order to train individuals who will be in charge of developing integrated technicalskills, not only at educational institutes such as universities, but also via observation and research
activities at inter-field supersites.
(4) Human resources development for climate change observation, and promotion of impact
assessment and formulation of adaptation measures
To monitor local and global climate change, assess its impacts, and investigate adaptation
measures, human resources should be developed so that developing countries can acquire thetechniques for implementing such activities by themselves. Japan has been playing an importantrole in promoting human resource development in Asia, by providing large numbers of humanresources to working groups and advisory boards in various fields in Asia, and imparting
advanced knowledge, technical skills, and experience to developing countries. On the other hand,the number of people in Japan who can fulfill such roles is still insufficient. There is no
systematic scheme in Japan to cope with recent global issues such as climate change, and an
excessive burden is imposed on a small number of experts. Human resources development within
and outside Japan should be further promoted by improving graduate school courses andestablishing institutes for comprehensive analysis of observation data.

Chapter 10 Future outlook (Priority issues)
To address the problem of climate change, it is indispensable to continuously promote comprehensive,
coordinated, and sustained observations of the Earth. Issues to be given priority were selected bymeans of a careful survey of the contents of the report, from the viewpoint of (1) promotion of data
standardization, (2) promotion of data sharing, (3) promotion of collaborative utilization ofobservation facilities, and (4) minimization of temporal and spatial gaps in observation, andenrichment of observation elements—all of which are expected to be advanced by the establishment of8

cooperation bases; as well as (5) development of observation technologies, and (6) human resources
development, which are the basis for achieving goals (1) to (4). The titles and contents of the topics
are given below (topics 10.1 to 10.6 are those specified in Chapter 9 of the Second WG Report).
In view of the fact that the “Promotion Strategy” emphasizes the importance of collaboration
among relevant ministries, agencies, and organizations, in order to implement long-term andcontinuous observation; and calls for measures to overcome the limitations on human and monetary
resources, to promote education and training of the next generation, and to establish a cooperation
program among related ministries, agencies, and organizations to realize comprehensive andintegrated observation; detailed concrete measures should be investigated without delay by the Earth
Observation Promotion Commission of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science andTechnology, and other commissions or groups.
10.1 Promotion of data standardization
 Establishment of a high accuracy atmospheric radiation observation system and data archives
Although the amount of atmospheric radiation on the ground surface is the key element in the
climate system, it has not been observed and evaluated accurately. In particular, calibration
methods should be established for ground and satellite observations of long-wave radiation andspectral radiation, and a system needs to be established that can be maintained over the long term.
Permanent observation systems should also be established, through cooperation with international
programs and organizations such as the Baseline Surface Radiation Network (BSRN), the Global
Atmosphere Watch (GAW) Program, and the World Radiation Center (WRC). Japan should also
lead the world in promoting the long-term data archive.
 Unifying the scale of ozone concentration, and performing periodical comparison of observed
data among institutes
The availability of observation data should be improved by unifying the ozone observation
standards in Japan, such as the reference photometer (SRP) No. 35, maintained by the National
Institute for Environmental Studies (NIES), and using the UV scale based on the international
system. Intercomparison among institutes should also be conducted on a continuous basis.
 Establishment of an integrated analysis system by collecting and controlling the quality ofsatellite and ground observation data
Cryospheric data are not available for various studies, due to the lack of a system for integrating
and analyzing the data. A system needs to be established for integrating and analyzing ground andsatellite data, by managing the data and controlling their quality. It should be noted that thisproblem also exists in fields other than cryospheric study.
10.2 Promotion of data sharing
 Improvement of the data collection and dissemination scheme, and promotion of the exchange ofozone observation data
Methods for collecting and providing observation data, including near-real time data, should befurther improved. Moreover, data utilization should be advanced by promoting data exchange via
the World Data Center for Greenhouse Gases (WDCGG), established under the Global
Atmosphere Watch Program of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO/GAW), andoperated by the Japan Meteorological Agency.
 Enhancement of ozone observation in the Asian continent, and promotion of the exchange anduse of observation data

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As a basis for understanding the state of, processes involving, and changes in tropospheric ozone
in the northern hemisphere and East Asia, ozone and its precursors should be monitored near theirsources, and international cooperation should be promoted to enhance observation in the Asian
continent.
Establishment of an organization for integrating, managing, and providing water cycle
observation data
A system is required that facilitates access to water cycle data, including ground observation data,
satellite observation data, rescued data, and processed data, all provided in a unified format. To
maintain sustainable services, an organization for integrating, managing, and providing water
cycle observation data should be established.
Establishment of a core organization for assessing and predicting the impacts of climate changeon the cryosphere
To assess and predict the impacts of climate change on the cryosphere, it is essential to establish acore organization in charge of promoting continuous monitoring, data utilization, and integrated
analysis.
Establishment of a center for integrating and analyzing data on ecosystems
To promote modeling using ground and satellite observation data on ecosystems, a databasesystem with an open data policy and well-documented metadata, as well as a center for
integrating and analyzing various observation data, should be established.
Improvement of the usability of socioeconomic data by integrating and digitizing data coveringvarious fields
Socioeconomic data should be digitized and integrated with spatial and geographical information(a) to improve the usability of data for detecting and assessing the impacts of climate change, andconsidering adaptation measures, and (b) to promote the exchange of such data. Measures should
be investigated not only with respect to statistical information on the monitoring targets but also
future scenarios.
Modifying the collection of information on data sources for socioeconomic data, for ministerial
cooperation and addressing needs
The majority of the socioeconomic data required for detecting and assessing the impacts ofclimate change, and for investigating adaptation measures, has not been prepared for utilization
related to climate change, and information on data sources has not been shared. Related ministries
and agencies should cooperate in the comprehensive collection of information on socioeconomic
data sources, and provide the information in ways that address the needs of users (researchers ofclimate change impacts and administrators involved in adaptation measures).
Promotion of a satellite observation data archive
Satellite observation is indispensable for long-term Earth observation over a large area. Thus, anarchive of observation data is essential.

10.3 Promotion of collaborative utilization of observation facilities
 Establishment of a long-term operation system for ground observation networks of aerosols,
clouds, and atmospheric radiation
Ground observation networks such as SKYNET, equipped with sky radiometers, lidars, and other
instruments for monitoring aerosols, clouds, and atmospheric radiation, have provided importantdata in East Asia. A permanent system for operating these globally essential networks needs to beestablished.

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Establishment of supersites related to ecosystems
Observation sites covered by multiple ecosystem observation networks such as the Japan Long
Term Ecological Research Network (JaLTER), JapanFlux, and Monitoring Sites 1000, need to be
regarded as supersites, and monitored over the long term by establishing an advanced observation
system actively incorporating large-scale field experiments.
Establishment of comprehensive, coordinated, and sustained observation stations in Japan, Asia,
and Eurasia
To integrate and analyze various ground and satellite observation data by making optimal use ofexisting observation functions (such as facility and observation technologies, human resources,
parameters, accuracy, and space and time coverage), a network should be formed amongobservation systems established in different fields, to share observation facilities and promote theopen use of observation data collected by different networks.

10.4 Minimization of temporal and spatial gaps in observation, and enrichment of observation
elements
 Continuous launching of satellites for monitoring of clouds, aerosols and atmospheric radiation
Satellite observation, which can cover the entire globe, is essential for the development of global
climate models and atmospheric chemical transport models, and for the effective use of groundobservation data. Japan should promote satellite observation, which has obtained excellent
scientific results in recent years, with international cooperation, from the viewpoint of long-termmonitoring and process studies.
 Expansion of continuous long-term observation of tropospheric ozone, and verification andassimilation of observation data by models
Long-term continuous observation of ozone in the entire troposphere, from the ground to theupper atmosphere, from ground stations including those in polar regions, should be continued.
Three-dimensional data should be obtained by integrating various observation data collected on
the ground, from aircraft and vessels, and by ozone lidars, ozonesondes, and satellites. These data
should also be used for promoting activities related to analysis of phenomena, and verification
and assimilation by models.
 Ensuring and strengthening the sustainability of ground observation systems for the water cycle
and the rescue and archiving of past observation data
For appropriate monitoring of changes in the water cycle caused by climate change, andcalibration and verification of satellite data and climate models, high-quality long-term grounddata are indispensable. Necessary technical assistance should be given to developing countries toensure and strengthen the quality and sustainability of ground data observation systems for thewater cycle. Past data that are not being utilized should also be rescued (and digitized) and madeavailable to experts and policy decision-makers, particularly in developing countries.
 Expansion of satellite observation of the water cycle in Japan, and utilization of data
Satellite observation is the key method for monitoring the water cycle over the long term, bybridging spatial gaps in ground observation. Japan should steadily implement the two satellite
observation projects on the water cycle (namely, the Global Change Observation Mission(GCOM) and Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM)), with international cooperation. Japan
should also obtain new scientific knowledge from satellite observation, and expand activities thatgenerate products that will lead to further improvement in social welfare.
 Enhancement of the network for monitoring changes in the cryosphere, and establishment of a11sustainable monitoring system
It is indispensable to continuously monitor changing phenomena with high accuracy, and tounderstand the relevant response mechanisms, in order to assess the impacts on the global
environment. A sustainable monitoring system should be established by strengthening the
network for monitoring the cryosphere.
Minimization of spatial gaps in observation, such as alpine and warm-temperate zones
Alpine zones, which have vulnerable ecosystems, and warm-temperate zones where flux
observations are not conducted, are areas in which spatial observation gaps exist. Such gaps
should be minimized by establishing observation bases, in order to collect data for the comparisonof ecosystems over large areas, and to assess the impacts of climate change.

10.5 Development of observation technologies
 Development of multi-wavelength lidar with high spectral resolution
Japan is one of the few countries that have lidar observation networks, and is leading the world inthis field. A multi-wavelength lidar with high spectral resolution should be developed to monitor
extinction coefficient profiles of aerosols, day and night, with high sensitivity.
 Improvement of observational aircraft equipped with instruments for observing clouds, aerosols,
and atmospheric radiation
Japan conducted aircraft observation of clouds, aerosols, and atmospheric radiation particularly
intensively in the 1980s and 1990s, and obtained excellent results from these research activities.
Although understanding the three-dimensional structures of these phenomena is of growing
importance, the development of a system for aircraft observation has not advanced since the1990s. Improvement of the aircraft observation system should be promoted to achieve new
breakthroughs in research.
 Archiving of assimilated data by integrated use of numerical models and ground and satellite
observation data
Data should be collected over a large area and over the long term to investigate changes in thewater cycle caused by climate change. There remain spatial and temporal gaps in past data, even
if all past datasets in developing countries were to be rescued. Among the various measures tobridge these gaps involving the use and/or development of advanced technologies, it will be mostappropriate to prepare assimilated data via the integrated use of numerical models and ground andsatellite observation data. Therefore, the preparation of ‘reanalysis climate data’ should becontinued, and further developed and upgraded.
 Development of ultra-high resolution satellite sensors and systemic integration, for ecosystemobservation
To scale up information monitored at surface observation stations, ultra-high resolution satellite
sensors should be developed, and satellite observation systems should be established targeting the
Asian and Eurasian regions around Japan, in concert with geostationary satellites. Tight
integration with ecosystem observation should also be promoted.
 Long-term operation of satellite sensors for two or more generations, and mutual calibration of
sensors
For long-term Earth observation, satellite sensors must be used for a long period. Various means
should be employed to ensure the continuity of observation by satellite sensors, which have alifetime of three to seven years, and to maintain and control the accuracy of data over the longterm, such as by inter-calibration of different generation sensors, and by comparing satellite data12

with ground observation data.
10.6 Human resources development and capability enhancement
In all the reported fields, the need for human resources development has been emphasized, with theaim of training the next generation that will be in charge of carrying out observations and data
management. Human resources development faces a number of serious problems, however, not only inthe field of Earth observation but in the entire science and technology field in Japan, such as adecrease in the number of elementary and middle school students who are interested in science, fewer
graduate students going on to doctoral studies, and fewer employment opportunities for postdoctoral
fellows. In this section, specific problems common to the fields studied in the report are mentioned.


Human resources development from the long-term point of view
Observation related to climate change involves continuous monitoring from remote locations, andeffective utilization of the monitoring data. Human resources with the ability to conduct suchobservations and data analysis should be trained and engaged within and outside Japan.
 Human resources development to improve observational and analysis techniques, via researchexchange
To improve the skills of researchers in analyzing data as well as performing observations, steadyeducation from a broad perspective, informed by basic science, should be enhanced, andopportunities for exchanging information on research, proposing future plans, and training young
researchers, should be increased by means of workshops and training seminars.
 Human resources development to improve comprehensive data utilization capabilities
Capabilities involved in the utilization of varied data should be developed, such as possessing afull understanding of the characteristics (meanings and errors of observation data, space- andtime-coverage, data formats, etc.) of various datasets obtained by both ground and satellite
observations, as well as the ability to process and analyze large amounts of data, interpret datafrom a comprehensive point of view, and gather knowledge on numerical models. Human
resources development should also be promoted for the development of related technologies.
 Human resources development for climate change observation, and for application of the relevant
data to impact assessments and the development of adaptation measures
An excessive burden has been imposed on a small number of experts, to cope with the emerging issueof climate change. Human resources development within and outside Japan should be further
promoted, by improving graduate school courses and establishing institutes for the comprehensive
analysis of observation data.

13

14

Appendix
Scientific Working Group for OCCCO Report No. 2“Toward the development of a comprehensive and integrated climate change observation
system:－Observations for the monitoring of clouds, aerosols, and atmospheric radiation, andfor the assessment of impacts of climate change －”Table of Contents
Part I Introduction
1. Background of the report
2. Objectives of the report
3. Selection of the subjects to be reported
4. Structure of the report
Part II Observation related to climate change
Chapter 1 Observation of clouds, aerosols, and atmospheric radiation
1.1 Introduction
1.2 Promotion of data standardization and data sharing
1.3 Promotion of collaborative utilization for observation platforms
1.4 Observational needs from the viewpoint of developing an earth system model
1.5 Minimization of temporal and spatial gaps in observation, and enrichment of observation elements
1.6 Summary
Chapter 2 Observation of tropospheric ozone
2.1 Introduction
2.2 Promotion of data standardization
2.3 Promotion of data sharing
2.4 Promotion of collaborative utilization for observation platforms
2.5 Observational needs from the viewpoint of developing an earth system model
2.6 Minimization of temporal and spatial gaps in observation, and enrichment of observation elements
2.7 Summary
Part III Observation related to assessment of impacts of climate change
Chapter 3 Water cycle
3.1 Introduction
3.2 Necessary observation elements, and current status of data sharing
3.3 Satellite observation
3.4 Development of observation methods and technologies
3.5 Promotion of international observation projects
3.6 Observational needs from the viewpoint of model development
Chapter 4 Cryosphere
4.1 Introduction
4.2 Sea ice

15

4.3 Permafrost
4.4 Ice sheets and glaciers in polar regions
4.5 Glaciers in low- to mid-latitudinal regions
4.6 Snow and snow cover
4.7 Satellite observation
4.8 Observational needs from the viewpoint of model development
4.9 Current status and issues of the cryosphere data archive
Chapter 5 Ecosystems
5.1 Introduction
5.2 Coastal zone
5.3 Land surface
5.4 Observational networks
5.5 Satellite observation
5.6 Observational needs from the viewpoint of model development
5.7 Summary
Chapter 6 Socioeconomic data
6.1 Introduction
6.2 Socioeconomic data related to detecting the impacts of climate change on the human environment
6.3 Socioeconomic data related to development of methods for assessment and prediction of the
impacts of climate change
6.4 Data collection and sharing of socioeconomic data related to detection and prediction of the
impacts of climate change
6.5 Summary
Part IV Cross-sectoral issues related to climate change observation
Chapter 7 Issues related to integration of ground and satellite observation data
7.1 Introduction
7.2 Establishment and maintenance of comprehensive, coordinated, and sustained observation systems
7.3 Improvement of data quality and availability for collaborative utilization
7.4 Improvement of technologies for integrated utilization and human resources development
7.5 Summary and future outlook
Part V Summary
Chapter 8 Issues and outlook
8.1 Observation of clouds, aerosols, and atmospheric radiation
8.2 Observation of tropospheric ozone
8.3 Water cycle
8.4 Cryosphere
8.5 Ecosystems
8.6 Socioeconomic data
8.7 Integration of ground and satellite observation data
Chapter 9 Priority issues

16List of abbreviations
Technical terms
Members of the Scientific Advisory Board of JACCO
Members of the Scientific Working Group of OCCCO
Schedule of meetings

17Members of the Scientific Advisory Board of the Japanese Alliance for Climate Change
Observation(JACCO)
Isao Koike
Gen Inoue
Taikan Oki
Hiroki Kondo
Shobu Sakurai
Tasuku Tanaka
Masayoshi Nakawo
Takakiyo Nakazawa
Tohru Nakashizuka
Teruyuki Nakajima
Yukihiro Nojiri
Katsuyuki Minami
Nobuo Mimura
Susumu Yamamoto

Chair of the Scientific Advisory Board of JACCO
Inspector General, University of the Ryukyus
Professor, Research Institute for Humanity and Nature, National Institutes for
the Humanities
Professor, Institute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo
Principal Scientist, Global Warming Research Project for IPCC AR5, Japan
Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology
Professor, College of Bioresource Sciences, Nihon University
Professor, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Yamaguchi
University
Executive Director, National Institutes for the Humanities
Professor, Graduate School of Science, Tohoku University
Professor, Graduate School of Life Sciences, Tohoku University
Director and Professor, Center for Climate System Research, The Universityof Tokyo
Deputy Director, Center for Global Environmental Research, National
Institute for Environmental Studies
Vice President, Kitasato University
Director and Professor, Institute for Global Change Adaptation Science,
Ibaraki University
Director and Professor, Environmental Management Center, Okayama
University
As of March 201018

Edited by
Tokunosuke Fujitani
Reiko Ito
Kuniko Aida
Muneharu Matsumoto
Office for Coordination of Climate Change Observation,
Japan(MOE & JMA)
Center for Global Environmental Research
National Institute for Environmental Studies
16-2 Onogawa, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8506, Japan