Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) delivers authoritative, free-and-open climate data, tools and insights to support adaptation and mitigation policy across Europe and globally. Implemented by the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) on behalf of the European Commission, C3S forms one of six thematic services of the EU’s Copernicus Earth Observation Programme.
C3S combines satellite and in-situ observations with cutting-edge modelling, supercomputing and reanalysis to create consistent, quality-assured information on the past, present and future state of Earth’s climate system — covering atmosphere, land, ocean, sea-ice and carbon. Among its key deliverables are datasets of Essential Climate Variables, global and regional reanalyses, observation-based records and real-time monitoring, multi-model seasonal forecasts, and climate projections at various scales.
C3S produces climate intelligence tailored to diverse user groups — scientists, policymakers, planners, businesses, media and the public. Its notable publications include the monthly Climate Bulletins and the annual European State of the Climate (ESOTC) report, alongside tools like Climate Pulse that display up-to-date indicators such as global-average temperature and sea surface temperature.
Governance and delivery of C3S are managed by ECMWF, with around 260 European companies and organisations supplying implementation of service components via competitive tenders. C3S also aligns with global structures such as the Global Climate Observing System (GCOS) and the Global Framework for Climate Services (GFCS).
In relation to sustainable finance, C3S supports climate-risk assessment, adaptation planning and evidence-based decision-making through provision of robust climate datasets and interactive tools, enabling institutions to integrate climate considerations into financial strategies.
