Socioeconomic impact of ICOS
Environmental research infrastructures in general, and ICOS in particular, generate essential knowledge on our ecological life support systems, which provide critical services to society. This is especially evident in the field of greenhouse gas management. Climate change is already affecting ecosystems, economies and societies worldwide. Without rapid and sustained mitigation, the scale of adaptation efforts, losses and damages will continue to increase, leading to substantial societal and economic costs.
ICOS has several socioeconomic impacts embedded in its mission. Greenhouse gas observations are essential for supporting the fulfilment of the Paris Agreement and for providing timely, science-based information for greenhouse gas policy and decision-making. As the key European contributor to these observations, ICOS has an important socioeconomic impact in Europe and beyond.
We support the UN Sustainable Development Goals
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), adopted by the United Nations (UN) in 2015, aim to address global economic, social and environmental challenges by 2030. ICOS contributes to these goals in multiple ways.
Climate action
ICOS contributes directly to UN SDG 13 ‘Climate Action’ by providing harmonised, high-quality greenhouse gas (GHG) measurements across Europe. Monitoring emissions and removals is essential for achieving carbon neutrality and tracking progress towards mitigation targets. Our data, together with excellence in climate science and active international dialogue, enable informed decision-making for global climate strategies.
Sustainable Development Goal we support:
In addition, ICOS contributes to several other SDGs through two key impact areas:
Scientific excellence
ICOS provides FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) data for scientists, students, citizens and policymakers. These data support research and innovation in areas such as agriculture, water management, energy provision and urban planning, helping societies adapt to the challenges posed by climate change and its impacts.
Sustainable Development Goals we support:
Societal impact
Scientific excellence generates societal impact. Reliable ICOS data on greenhouse gas fluxes support evidence-based policy-making on climate mitigation and adaptation. Our direct cooperation with UN organisations such as the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), as well as partnerships with scientific institutions worldwide, strengthens education, capacity-building and strong institutions. ICOS is an Observer Intergovernmental Organization (IGO) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), which aims to reach global consensus on actions to mitigate and adapt to climate change as outlined in the Paris Agreement.
Sustainable Development Goals we support:
Informing policy and decision-making
ICOS provides timely and policy-relevant information to support greenhouse gas policy and decision-making at national, European and global levels. This information supports mitigation efforts and the fulfilment of the Paris Agreement. By actively engaging in dialogue with policymakers, ICOS advocates for decisions grounded in the best available scientific knowledge.
ICOS is a key European contributor to the greenhouse gas observations of the Integrated Global Greenhouse Gas Information System (IG3IS) of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). As mentioned above, ICOS is also an Observer Intergovernmental Organization (IGO) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
ICOS provides data to the European Union's Earth observation programme, Copernicus. These data can be used, for example, by national meteorological services and private companies to improve air pollution forecasts and to develop additional data products, such as maps of fossil fuel emissions.
Translating scientific knowledge into policy-relevant insights
ICOS publishes FLUXES, the European Greenhouse Gas Bulletin, an annual synthesis that translates scientific knowledge into policy-relevant insights. Across its volumes, FLUXES has addressed topics such as changes in European carbon sinks, nature-based solutions, Monitoring, Reporting and Verification (MRV) of greenhouse gas emissions and urban greenhouse gas monitoring. By communicating scientific findings in an accessible and structured format, the bulletin strengthens the link between ICOS research and climate policy discussions at European and global level. Read more about FLUXES here.
ICOS contributes to several European and international projects, which in turn, can have a large impact on science, society and economy. Read more about the projects we are involved in at the Projects page.