But next to climate observations, quality control, data storage and data distribution are equally important. Therefore, GCOS Switzerland also includes six international calibration and data centers operated by Swiss institutions.
The data gathered in the framework of GCOS Switzerland are widely used. As an example, they help to understand pressing climate-related concerns such as the continuous melting of glaciers, and they also contribute to the work of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). In addition, Swiss GCOS data are the basis for user-tailored climate services and thereby support the work of the National Center for Climate Services (NCCS).
With its local measurements, international data and calibration centres, GCOS Switzerland adds an important puzzle piece to the understanding of the global climate system.