Copernicus Climate Change Service
Context: May 2025 was the world’s second warmest May on record, surpassed only by May 2024, with a record-breaking heatwave in Greenland, says EU’s Copernicus Climate Change Service.
Important Pointers:
Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S): One of six thematic information services under the Copernicus Earth Observation Programme of the European Union providing climate data.
Implemented by the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF): C3S is operated by ECMWF on behalf of the European Commission.
European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF): An independent intergovernmental organisation serving its member and cooperating states globally.
Authoritative Climate Information: C3S provides reliable information on past, present, and future climate conditions in Europe and worldwide.
Free Access via Climate Data Store: C3S offers free internet access to high-quality climate data and analysis tools through the Climate Data Store.
Continuous Data Updates: The Climate Data Store is regularly updated with new observations, reanalyses, seasonal forecasts, and climate model projections.
Visualization and Analysis Tools: C3S provides tools and guidance to transform complex climate data into accessible maps and charts.
Wide User Base: Users include scientists, consultants, planners, policymakers, media, and the general public.
Based on the World Climate Research Programme (WCRP): C3S relies on research from WCRP and meets user requirements from the Global Climate Observing System (GCOS).
Supports Global Framework for Climate Services (GFCS): C3S contributes key resources to GFCS for improving climate resilience.
Copernicus Programme:
Copernicus Earth Observation Programme: The European Union’s space-based Earth observation initiative providing environmental data.
Multi-source Data Collection: Combines satellite data from Sentinel satellites with ground-based, airborne, and sea-borne sensors.
Free and Near Real-Time Data: Offers reliable, freely accessible data services for users worldwide.
Sentinel Satellite Family: Dedicated satellites designed specifically to support Copernicus information services.
Governance by European Commission and Partners: Funded, coordinated, and managed by the European Commission in partnership with the European Space Agency and other EU agencies.