What does OOPC mean in CLIMATE

The OOPC is a scientific body that promotes research and collaboration in order to improve ocean observations, assess their quality and potential uses in climate-related research. This panel also leverages existing observation networks and technologies to improve global awareness of the state of our oceans and predicted behavioural patterns.

The OOPC provides guidance for research into ocean observations that can help guide climate-related policy decisions. It works with its partners to identify gaps in knowledge related to ocean observations and how they can be used more effectively. Furthermore, it helps develop strategies for a cost-effective international system of observing the world's oceans over the long term.

The Ocean Observations Panel for Climate aims to support informed decision-making towards sustainable management of our ocean resources; promote capacity building and participate actively in regional initiatives that advance global monitoring efforts; catalyze innovative technologies, systems, and applications; foster improved understanding of long-term climate variability associated with extreme events; ensure coordination among stakeholders including scientific organizations, industry, government, civil society, academia and indigenous people; provide advice to support responsible use of ocean data for national security concerns.

The Ocean Observations Panel for Climate consists of experts from all over the world who have experience or expertise in ocean sciences, particularly related to climate change. Members come from disciplines such as physical oceanography, engineering, glaciology/sea ice physics, marine meteorology/atmospheric sciences and remote sensing among others. Members include representatives from countries from all major regions such as Africa, Asia Pacific region, Europe & Russia (Eurasia), Latin America & Caribbean (LAC), Middle East & North Africa (MENA) and USA & Canada.

In normal circumstances when pandemics are not limiting travel opportunities as in 2020 due to COVID 19 restrictions - meetings occur every 18 months on a rotating basis around four core meetings per year located on different continents around the world where panel members gather face-to-face.. However due to COVID 19 pandemic virtual meetings are taking place until circumstances permit in person gathering.

To become an expert member of the panel you must either be nominated by one or more existing panel members or apply through an open call for nominations which usually happens twice a year. To successfully become an expert member you should demonstrate competence in topical areas related to observing systems relevant to climate science such as earth observation platforms (satellites), marine technology developments etc., possess current technical knowledge relating to this field or be able to contribute new ideas or approaches relevant to improving scientific understanding regarding observing systems relevant to climate science.

A member should attend all scheduled meetings unless exceptional circumstances prevent them from doing so, maintain good communication within professional networks connected with each other through online sharing platforms, contribute towards discussions during meetings, develop new collaborations between experts within Knowledge Networks using online tools and finally ensure information gathered through this process benefits society at large by being shared appropriately.

As an individual interested in interacting with this panel you may reach out by emailing [email protected] or attending any public events organized by this group either virtually or physically when possible if invited/included. Additionally, if your organization wishes formal representation at any meeting you need explore options specified under Membership category on their website.