What is ICOS

The Integrated Carbon Observation System, or ICOS, provides standardised and open data from more than 170 measurement stations across 16 European countries. ICOS stations observe greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere as well as carbon fluxes between the atmosphere, the land surface and the oceans. The mission of ICOS is two-fold:

First, we aspire to produce standardised, high-precision and long-term data, to improve our understanding of the Earth’s carbon cycle and to provide necessary information on greenhouse gases. All ICOS data is freely available via the ICOS Carbon Portal. As a result, researchers have access to a trustworthy database which enables us to facilitate state of the art climate research all over the world.

Second, ICOS data closely monitors the Earth system and its responses to climate change. This is crucial to track the fulfilment of the United Nations’ Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). As an observer, ICOS helps the UNFCCC to reach its goal for global consensus on actions to mitigate and to adapt to climate change as outlined in the Paris Agreement. To society, we actively communicate the science-based knowledge that is relevant to climate action and decision-making.

You can read more on the ICOS Research Infrastructure via the European ICOS website

This new 2 minute video explains the purpose of ICOS:

This 4 minute video explains why and how we measure greenhouse gasses in ICOS:

STRUCTURE

The ICOS stations are coordinated by the ICOS National Networks in each of the 16 member countries. All stations in the National Networks operate in three distinct domains: Atmosphere, Ecosystem and Ocean. Within each domain, a Thematic Centre coordinates the observations and supports the stations. The Carbon Portal is in charge of collecting and distributing all ICOS data and derived products.

Carbon Portal

The Carbon Portal is a ‘one-stop shop’ for all ICOS data products. It offers free access to high-quality and standardised greenhouse gas data, as well as to scientific and educational products and services.

Atmospheric Thematic Centre (ATC)

ICOS atmosphere stations observe greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. The network includes 46 stations in 16 countries. The Atmospheric Thematic Centre coordinates all observations.

Ecosystem Thematic Centre (ETC)

ICOS ecosystem stations monitor greenhouse gas concentrations and fluxes, as well as living and non-living drivers responsible for the exchange of greenhouse gases, water and energy between the ecosystem and atmosphere. The ecosystem network consists of 98 stations in 16 countries, all observations are coordinated by the Ecosystem Thematic Centre.

Ocean Thematic Centre (OTC)

ICOS ocean stations quantify the ocean’s role in planetary carbon cycling by observing surface ocean carbon levels. The network consists of 29 stations in 8 countries. Observations from these stations are coordinated by the Ocean Thematic Centre.

FLUXES – The European Greenhouse Gas Bulletin

FLUXES, the European Greenhouse Gas Bulletin, is a yearly publication by ICOS, which aims at highlighting climate issues to an audience of policymakers, policy advisors, and climate journalists.

Edition 2024: MRV: A critical tool for tracking emissions and accelerating climate action

We need to drastically reduce our greenhouse gas emissions to avoid the worst impacts of climate change. The latest issue of FLUXES, the European Greenhouse Gas Bulletin, by ICOS – sheds light on an essential tool to help decision-makers assess progress towards a net zero world: science-based Monitoring, Reporting and Verification (MRV) systems.

Access FLUXES Vol. 3 HERE

Edition 2023: Nature-based solutions for net zero

This issue of FLUXES addresses the potential and limitations of nature-based solutions for carbon removal from a scientific perspective: What can be measured? Which conclusions can be drawn? Which solutions seem adequate?

Access FLUXES Vol. 2 HERE

Edition 2022: Are carbon sinks at risk?

The first volume of FLUXES focuses on regional and year-over-year changes in carbon sinks in Europe. These changing sinks highlight the need to reduce emissions further in order to reach carbon neutrality targets.

Access FLUXES Vol. 1 HERE