This publication provides background in terms of requirements and recommendations for a functional and robust Global Climate Observing System (GCOS). Global climate monitoring, including water and greenhouse-gas fluxes, supports and serves the programmes
World Meteorological Organization,Organisation des Nations Unies pour l'Education, la Science et et la Culture,Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission,et al. The Global Observing System for Climate: Implementation Needs. 2016-01-01.