How is ACTRIS linked to European and international networks?
Several networks operate in Europe and in the world to produce information on atmospheric composition changes.
Europe
In Europe, the European Monitoring and Evaluation Programme (EMEP) is a science-based and policy-driven programme under the Convention on Long-range Transboundary Air Pollution (CLRTAP) for international co-operation to solve trans-boundary air pollution problems. EMEP coordinates monitoring activities from about 180 sites in Europe and includes a research observation component organized at so-called EMEP supersites (level-2 and level-3 sites). Level-3 activities are research-oriented to improve the scientific understanding of the relevant physico-chemical processes in relation to regional air pollution and its control. ACTRIS is the proposed funding scheme to ensure long-term sustainability of level-3 activities within EMEP, and is central in harmonizing efforts of level-2 sites ensuring the required quality and development.
World
In the world, the Global Climate Observing System (GCOS) is a long-term, user-driven operational system capable of providing the comprehensive observations required for monitoring the climate system, detecting and attributing climate change. For the atmospheric domain, Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET), GRUAN (Global Reference Upper Air Network), NDACC (Network for the Detection of Atmospheric Composition Change) and GAW (Global Atmosphere Watch) are four major components of that system. All networks operate advanced instrumentation, calibration centers and data centers essentially under national funding schemes. ACTRIS is the proposed funding scheme for long-term support of the European component contributing to AERONET, GRUAN, NDACC and GAW, for the relevant essential climate variables. ACTRIS includes support to the World Data Center (WDC) and World Calibration Centers (WCC) located in Europe, and contributes to operation at supersites relevant to those networks. ACTRIS provides the proper level of coordination and commitment to make the European contribution to GCOS better recognized.