ICOS Science Conference 2026 - View Session Proposals

How big is the open ocean carbon sink?

Submission #37

The ocean plays a key role in the global climate system, taking up approximately 25% of the CO2 emitted to the atmosphere. However there exists a significant, highly publicized and poorly understood mismatch between model-derived and data product driven estimates of the ocean C sink within the Global Carbon Budget, which leads to uncertainty in the future trajectory of climate change. Multiple groups are working urgently to address this issue using a variety of approaches including

- assessing the impact of sampling bias and density within the existing sampling surface observing network,
- trying to accommodate uncertainties from differences in ocean surface and bulk mixed layer temperatures (i.e. surface skin effects)
- re-addressing the role of the Southern Ocean, a region notoriously undersampled which is believed to be key in driving ocean carbon uptake,
- calculating ocean interior CO2 accumulation using data obtained from GO-SHIP,
- systematically evaluating model representations of the ocean sink and
- evaluating the impact of circulation changes.

In this session we will bring together these diverse perspectives, building on the results emerging from multiple projects to address this key issue in the global carbon cycle and provide fresh perspectives on important next steps.

Exchange of reactive gases and aerosols between the land surface and the atmosphere in natural and managed ecosystems

Submission #36, submitted by Silvano Fares, National research council of italy, silvano.fares@cnr.it

The land surface-atmosphere exchange of reactive trace gases and aerosols plays a major role
in atmospheric chemistry and its quantification is important for air quality assessment. The
ICOS network offers the opportunity to complement common observations of greenhouse
gases with flux measurements of reactive compounds such as nitrogen oxides (NOx), ozone,
ammonia, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and particles between plant ecosystems and
the atmosphere. While some of these compounds are anthropogenically produced, many are
biotic in origin and are emitted in-situ or produced from rapid photochemistry in the canopy.
The plant canopy represents a dynamic and rapidly changing environment in which a myriad
of biological, chemical and physical processes take place over very short time scales.
Advanced techniques of flux measurements provide in-depth knowledge of net fluxes of these
compounds above canopies, while additional in-canopy measurements enable a more detailed
understanding of individual processes and reactions driving these fluxes. Advanced
measurement techniques can support the parametrization of models for a mechanistic
understanding of in-canopy dynamics of deposition and emission of these reactive gases.
We encourage submission of contributions based on in-situ measurements
and/or modeling that improve our understanding of biosphere-atmosphere exchange of
reactive gases and aerosols and in-canopy processes

Using Flux Station Data for developing and evaluating MRV tools and Ecosystem Modeling in the Carbon Removal Certification Context

Submission #35, submitted by Liisa Kulmala, Finnish Meteorological Institute, liisa.kulmala@fmi.fi

This session explores the use of ecosystem flux station data in developing and evaluating Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) tools and ecosystem models to support carbon removal certification (CRC) and carbon credit mechanisms. As the demand for robust, science-based accounting grows, high-resolution observational data from flux tower sites and related infrastructures offer unique opportunities to improve the accuracy and transparency of biogenic GHG exchange estimates.

We invite contributions that demonstrate how ICOS and other flux station data can be used to develop, calibrate, validate, or emulate land surface and ecosystem models, particularly in the context of MRV frameworks for CRC. Topics may include model-data integration, machine learning approaches, error propagation, uncertainty quantification, cost-accuracy and policy-relevant applications.

The session aims to bridge the gap between observational science and applied climate services enabling trustworthy carbon and other GHG exchange estimates. It is relevant for researchers working on land use and soil carbon, as well as those developing tools for climate-smart decision-making.

Vulnerable high-latitude/altitude ecosystems: carbon processes under climate change and human disturbances/managements

Submission #34, submitted by Junbin Zhao, Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research, junbin.zhao@nibio.no

High-latitude/altitude ecosystems store immense carbon that is central to global climate regulation. These systems face rapid, compounding threats that could flip them from carbon sinks to sources.
This session invites research on the vulnerability and resilience of high-latitude carbon processes under a complex setting of changes. We seek contributions that address the following areas:
1. Winter Climate Change: How altered winter processes (e.g., snow cover, freeze-thaw cycles, and respiration) are shifting the annual carbon balance.
2. Disturbance and Human Pressure: Quantifying the impacts of natural and human disturbances (e.g., fire, infrastructure) on carbon remobilization.
3. Management and Mitigation: Evaluating effective land management approaches (e.g., forestry, restoration) to mitigate climate change impacts on carbon stocks.
We welcome submissions utilizing ICOS data, remote sensing, modeling, and field experiments to quantify changes in carbon and other key greenhouse gas (e.g., CH4, N2O) fluxes. The goal is to inform monitoring, modeling, and sustainable management in this globally critical and rapidly changing region.

Carbon, water and energy fluxes from peatlands: measurements, drivers and upscaling

Submission #33, submitted by Merit van den Berg, UK Center of Ecology & Hydrology, mervan@ceh.ac.uk

Natural peatlands play a key role in regulating global biogeochemical and water cycles and can be an important tool for climate change mitigation. Understanding the fluxes of carbon, water and energy in peatlands, and the drivers that control them, is essential for accurately predicting peatland responses to anthropogenic disturbances (e.g., drainage for peat extraction, grazing, conversion to agriculture) and environmental change (e.g., floods, droughts). This session invites studies that quantify fluxes of carbon dioxide, methane, water vapor, and energy across diverse peatland types and climate zones. We particularly encourage contributions that explore linkages among carbon, hydrology, and surface energy balance, and that assess how disturbances, restoration, and management practices alter these interactions. Submissions using a range of approaches are welcome, including eddy covariance, chamber measurements, remote sensing, etc. We also seek studies integrating multiple spatial and temporal scales to bridge site-level observations with regional or global assessments. This session aims to increase our understanding of peatlands to be able to predict carbon, water and energy fluxes at larger scales, future scenarios, and to use this knowledge for management and restoration practices to preserve the valuable ecosystem services peatlands provide.

Unmanned autonomous vehicles and proximal sensing in greenhouse gas research and monitoring

Submission #32, submitted by Benjamin Brede, GFZ Helmholtz Centre for Geosciences, benjamin.brede@gfz.de

For terrestrial ecosystems, proximal sensing technologies such as ground-based optical sensor networks, repeat lidar scanning, UAV-mounted multispectral or lidar systems are transforming our ability to monitor processes at fine spatial and temporal scales. These approaches can bridge the gap between in-situ and satellite measurements, providing insights into ecosystem function, and carbon dynamics. In atmospheric and marine environments the adaptation of new GHG analyzers on drones and USVs, provide the opportunity to augment and optimize the observation networks on both temporal and spatial terms. Such approaches can enhance the interpretation of GHG flux measurements, support model–data integration and enable upscaling to landscape and regional levels.

This session invites contributions that explore novel proximal sensing technologies, methods for data integration and case studies demonstrating their application in GHG monitoring and ecosystem characterization. We welcome studies linking proximal sensing observations with ICOS ecosystem, atmospheric, and oceanic data, as well as initiatives contributing to calibration and validation frameworks for Earth Observation (EO) products. This session aims to showcase the above and foster dialogue between researchers, technologists, and stakeholders, and to highlight how proximal sensing can strengthen ICOS and similar infrastructures in addressing current and future challenges in greenhouse gas research.

Quantifying Anthropogenic Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Continental to Regional Scales

Submission #31, submitted by Samuel Hammer, ICOS CRL, IUP, Heidelberg University, shammer@iup.uni-heidelberg.de

Accurate quantification of anthropogenic greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across continental to regional scales is fundamental for tracking progress toward emission-reduction targets and for supporting monitoring, reporting, and verification (MRV) frameworks. This session focuses on advances in science-based methods for detecting, quantifying, and tracking fossil fuel and other anthropogenic GHG fluxes.
We encourage contributions that apply direct observational methods, inverse modelling techniques, or AI approaches that integrate statistical and observational data. Submissions combining these strategies are particularly welcome. Studies may explore the use of ICOS atmospheric observations together with satellite and other remote sensing observations, as well as bottom-up inventories, to quantify, constrain, and independently validate anthropogenic emission estimates.
Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:
• Continental- to regional-scale anthropogenic GHG budgets and trends
• Inverse modelling and hybrid data-assimilation frameworks
• Integration of atmospheric, modelling, and inventory data for MRV applications
• Cross-scale validation and intercomparison of anthropogenic emission estimates
This session aims to highlight innovative, policy-relevant methods that enhance our capacity to monitor anthropogenic GHG emissions and build confidence in emission verification across Europe and beyond.

Using GHG measurement data to support national greenhouse gas inventories

Submission #30, submitted by Annalea Lohila, Finnish Meteorological Institute and University of Helsinki (INAR), annalea.lohila@fmi.fi

Monitoring, verification and reporting is a new tool to establish the credibility of the upcoming emission trading system. With this respect, direct greenhouse gas (GHG) measurements from ICOS and other observation networks provide a unique opportunity to verify the accuracy of national GHG inventories and improve methodologies. Currently, the use of atmospheric and ecosystem GHG observations for these purposes is still limited. This session invites contributions that explore how measurement-based approaches and data-driven modelling, including atmospheric inversions, urban-, landscape- and ecosystem-scale flux data, and integrated modelling frameworks, can complement, support, and independently verify inventory development. We welcome case studies, methodological advances, and collaborative projects that link measurement data (such as ICOS data, but not limited to) with national inventory systems. The aim is to foster dialogue among researchers, inventory communities and intergovernmental organizations, identify best practices, and discuss the challenges and opportunities of integrating direct GHG measurements into operational inventory work.

Blue carbon and seaweed: reforestation and cultivation

Submission #29, submitted by Luiza Neves, Researcher, SINTEF Ocean, Norway, luiza.neves@sintef.no

Macroalgae ecosystems are highly productive and play a key role in the marine carbon cycle, yet significant uncertainties remain in quantifying their net contribution to durable Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR). This session addresses the full spectrum of seaweed-based blue carbon strategies, from conservation to active cultivation. We invite contributions on the "reforestation" and restoration of natural seaweed forests, focusing on methods to quantify their baseline carbon sequestration, ecosystem-scale CO2 flux, and associated co-benefits. Furthermore, this session will explore the rapidly emerging field of seaweed cultivation for CDR. This includes assessing the biogeochemical impacts of large-scale farming, the fate and permanence of sequestered carbon, and the critical development of robust Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) frameworks.

Carbon Cycling in the land Ocean Aquatic Continuum

Submission #28, submitted by Richard Sanders, ICOS Ocean Thematic Centre and Norwegian Research Centre, , rsan@norceresearch.no

The land-ocean aquatic continuum, comprising rivers, marshes, swamps, estuaries, bogs and coastal shelf seas, is a key region for carbon cycling. Terrestrial and river-borne organic matter enters from rivers, some is respired and lost to the atmosphere, some is buried in sediments, and some is transferred through to the open ocean, with the climate effect of these partitions being dependent on their fate. Despite their importance, we lack crucial information around these fluxes, including their persistence over time, the controls over these fluxes and their losses. Climate change is likely to modify these considerably, and human influence is large due to so-called Blue Carbon activities. This session will discuss the emerging paradigms in the field and welcome technological, modelling and in situ studies from diverse regions around the world, including high organic C landscapes in peatland regions such as Fennoscandia, Canada and SE Asia. A key focus will also be on shifts in carbonate system chemistry in coastal waters, driven by changes in total alkalinity related to freshwater inputs which. By integrating studies on both organic and inorganic carbon, we aim to comprehensively advance our understanding of the critical role of the land-ocean aquatic continuum in the global carbon cycle.

Comparing long-term eddy covariance measurements in terrestrial ecosystems with carbon stock variations : lessons and future challenges

Submission #27, submitted by Jean-Marc Limousin, CNRS, France, jean-marc.limousin@cefe.cnrs.fr

The carbon sink of terrestrial ecosystems is either stored in soils and biomass or exported after harvest. Measuring carbon stock evolution through time along with crop or wood production, thus remains the reference method for quantifying the carbon budgets of ecosystems. Over recent decades, eddy covariance measurements have given us new mechanistic insights into the short to medium term response of photosynthesis and respiration to seasonal climate variations, management practices, and disturbances. However, until recently, eddy covariance time series were generally too short to allow robust comparisons with carbon budget estimates based on carbon stock variations. Today, many eddy covariance sites spanning at least a decade of continuous measurements, together with a consolidated methodology for measuring, calculating and gap-filling fluxes, open the possibility to compare the two methods and learn more about carbon sequestration and residence time in ecosystems. ICOS ecosystem sites are also well suited to modeling soil organic carbon evolution through time thanks to detailed ancillary data on soil and ecosystem management. This session welcomes contributions addressing scientific questions based on the quantitative comparison of carbon fluxes versus carbon stock variations or proposing methodological solutions to explain and resolve potential discrepancies between them.

New Remote Sensing and Flux Observations to Link Disturbance, Ecosystem States, and Carbon-Water Fluxes

Submission #26, submitted by Simon Besnard, GFZ Helmholtz Centre for Geosciences, Telegrafenberg, 14473 Potsdam, Germany, simon.besnard@gfz.de

Recent advances in spaceborne and airborne sensors, such as hyperspectral (EnMAP), LiDAR (GEDI, ICESat-2), airborne laser scanning (ALS), and radar (Sentinel-1, NISAR), offer unprecedented opportunities to quantify ecosystem structure, disturbance, and function. ICOS data provide critical on-the-ground observations and half-hourly flux measurements, capturing ecosystem state and functioning. Combined, these complementary data streams enable a new generation of data-driven models linking ecosystem state to carbon and water fluxes.

This session explores how these complementary data streams can be integrated to understand better and upscale ecosystem processes across Europe and beyond. We invite contributions that:
• Combine site-level flux and disturbance data with hyperspectral, LiDAR, ALS, and SAR observations;
• Quantify the effects of disturbance and management on flux variability and footprint representativeness;
• Develop machine-learning frameworks to predict NEE, GPP, and evapotranspiration from integrated in-situ and satellite data.

By bridging flux networks, airborne campaigns, and satellite missions, the session aims to pave the way toward next-generation, footprint-aware upscaling of ecosystem carbon and water fluxes. A particular focus will be on capturing how disturbances and ecosystem state dynamics shape flux variability and ecosystem resilience across space and time, thereby strengthening ICOS’s role in continental-scale monitoring of terrestrial carbon-water interactions and Earth-system feedbacks.

Urban greenhouse gas emissions and sinks: from advanced monitoring to source identification and impact

Submission #25, submitted by Leena Järvi, University of Helsinki, leena.jarvi@helsinki.fi

Urban areas are among the largest contributors to global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. A detailed understanding of the total urban GHG balance, its components and their temporal and spatial variability is essential for designing effective emission reduction strategies. In addition to the anthropogenic emissions, the biogenic components of the urban GHG balance must be quantified to reduce uncertainties in emission estimations and to assess the potential role of urban vegetation for carbon sequestration. A wide range of complementary methods are being used to characterize urban GHG budgets and source attribution, including micrometeorological flux measurements, isotope analyses, inverse and forward modelling approaches, and high-resolution emission inventories. There are also emerging technologies, such as dense sensor networks, mobile measurements, and ground-based remote sensing. Furthermore, GHG monitoring networks can be complemented with observations of co-emitted species and aerosol particles.

This session brings together studies advancing the quantification, monitoring, understanding, and interpretation of urban GHG fluxes and their controlling factors across scales. We welcome conceptual, experimental, observational, and modelling contributions addressing urban GHG source apportionment, associated uncertainties, and methodological innovations. Studies demonstrating how these approaches can support cities’ climate strategies and emission mitigation plans are also encouraged.

Peatlands in the Global Climate System: Processes, Feedbacks and Human Pressures

Submission #24, submitted by Janne Rinne, Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke), janne.rinne@luke.fi

Peatlands store globally more carbon than live biomass of all forests, and more than half of carbon storage in atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2). Additionally, peatlands are a major source of atmospheric methane (CH4). Thus, peatlands constitute both cooling (CO2) and warming (CH4) climate forcing components. The formation, persistence and greenhouse gas (GHG) exchange of peatlands depend on climatic conditions and may therefore form considerable climate feedback. Peatlands also experience intense human pressure, e.g. drainage for agriculture, forestry and peat mining. These activities cause carbon losses and alter CH4 emission. Lately, rewetting of drained peatlands has been suggested as an effective climate change mitigation tool. However, previous land use practices may continue to affect GHG fluxes after rewetting. These natural and anthropogenic processes create a complex network of peatland-climate interactions which operate at different spatial and temporal scales.
We invite studies on the role of peatlands in the climate system, including climatic feedbacks and the effects of human interventions on peatlands’ climate forcing. We welcome experimental and observational studies on GHG fluxes, carbon storage, biogeochemical processes, paleoclimatology, and modelling studies of peatlands. Additionally, we welcome presentations reflecting on the future requirements of monitoring programs, such as ICOS, regarding peatlands.

Environmental and management drivers of N2O and CH4 fluxes in agricultural ecosystems

Submission #23, submitted by Iris Feigenwinter, ETH Zurich, iris.feigenwinter@usys.ethz.ch

Agriculture is a large contributor to anthropogenic nitrous oxide (N2O) – predominantly soil born emissions - and methane (CH4) emissions – largely originating from livestock and manure. These two greenhouse gases (GHGs) need consideration in regional, national and global GHG budget estimations due to their large global warming potential compared to carbon dioxide (CO2) . However, continuous measurements of N2O and CH4 fluxes in agroecosystems, i.e., grasslands and croplands, either with eddy covariance or the chamber method are still scarce. A better understanding of the effects of environmental conditions (e.g. temperature, soil moisture) and management interventions (e.g. harvest, fertilization, ploughing…) on N2O and CH4 fluxes is needed to develop sustainable agricultural management practices and related policies.

This session aims to understand the main drivers of the N2O and CH4 exchange in agricultural ecosystems using data from observations, experiments, remote sensing, or models. We welcome studies on different spatiotemporal scales, from plot to ecosystem scale and half-hourly to annual resolution. Furthermore, studies that focus on biogeochemical processes related to the production or consumption of N2O or CH4 (e.g. using stable isotopes) are also welcome.

Carbon cycle in the Mediterranean region: from the local to the regional scale

Submission #22, submitted by Paolo Cristofanelli, CNR-ISAC, p.cristofanelli@isac.cnr.it

The Mediterranean region is recognized as a global “hot-spot” in terms of the impacts of climate change and anthropogenic pressure on the environment. It is characterized by highly heterogeneous landscapes, distinctive oceanographic features, biodiverse ecosystems and densely populated regions which make it difficult to consistently upscale local processes. By contributing to a better understanding of processes which affect the carbon cycle and the carbon budget in the Mediterranean region, this session stimulates knowledge exchange within the international scientific communities interested in the Carbon cycle in this complex key-region.
It welcomes contributions from different approaches (ground/sea-based and satellite observations, models) and different domains (atmosphere, ecosystems, oceans) to provide insights into carbon fluxes, including the impact of extreme events (e.g., wildfires, heatwaves, droughts, floods), climate variability and anthropogenic activities on the regional carbon fluxes and budget. Contributions can cover different spatial (from local to regional) and temporal (from decades to daily, from the past to the future) scales. Cross-domain, cross-techniques and upscaling/downscaling studies are very welcome together with contributions discussing the most relevant knowledge gaps and future directions.

Towards RI-enabled Services for Monitoring, Reporting and Verification of Land-based Carbon Dynamics

Submission #21, submitted by Thomas Dirnböck, Environment Agency Austria, thomas.dirnboeck@umweltbundesamt.at

Research Infrastructures (RIs) such as ICOS and eLTER are uniquely positioned to provide long-term and interoperable services as a backbone of greenhouse gas monitoring and accounting frameworks. Building on their complementary strengths—from greenhouse-gas flux measurements to contextual observations at the ecosystem-level and the socio-ecological system—RIs can co-develop services that directly support Monitoring, Reporting and Verification (MRV) of carbon fluxes, carbon stocks, and land-based carbon removals. These services can draw on multi-decadal data on greenhouse gas exchange, soil carbon dynamics, and land-use change, while revealing co-benefits and trade-offs such as biodiversity, water regulation, and ecosystem resilience.
The session aims to explore approaches and service concepts supporting MRV that could be co-designed with and sustained by European RIs, ensuring robustness, interoperability, and policy relevance over the long term. Interdisciplinary contributions—from policy and social sciences to biodiversity and ecosystem research—are invited to illustrate opportunities and requirements from diverse stakeholder perspectives, paving the way for next-generation RI-based MRV services.

Advancing marine CO₂ observations through next-generation sensors, integration and platform innovation

Submission #20, submitted by COPPOLA, Laurent, Sorbonne University, laurent.coppola@imev-mer.fr

Accurate in-situ quantification of oceanic CO₂ fluxes is crucial for the determination of global CO2 fluxes with high confidence, due to spatial and temporal variability that numerical models cannot always identify. Yet this remains a major challenge for carbon cycle research. Progress now depends on the development and convergence of innovative technologies (sensors, samplers) that can deliver long-term, high-quality measurements across diverse ocean environments. This session will bring together projects, research infrastructures and institutes working to improve marine CO₂ observing technologies, from novel autonomous sensors to integrated observing platforms such as gliders, floats, buoys, moorings and surface vehicles. Discussions will address sensor calibration and validation, data interoperability, and the integration of these technologies into operational networks such as European Infrastructures (ICOS, EMSO, Euro-Argo) and international networks (SOCONET). Initiated by the Horizon Europe project GEORGE, which co-develops and demonstrates next-generation sensors and integrated platforms across European Research Infrastructures, this session also welcomes contributions from related initiatives — including those exploring new observational data analysis and quality control methods and tools including Artificial Intelligence. By fostering exchanges across disciplines and communities, the session aims to define a shared technological vision for the future European and global marine carbon observing system.

Assessing impact in RIs

Submission #19, submitted by Evi-Carita Riikonen, ICOS ERIC HO, evi-carita.riikonen@icos-ri.eu

In this session, we explore a vital part of the Research Infrastructures (RIs) life cycle: understanding and assessing socio-economic impact. Demonstrating impact is increasingly important — not only to justify public investment, but also to show how RIs contribute to science, innovation, policy, and societal well-being.
There is no single method for assessing impact. Each RI’s mission, governance, and stakeholder context shape how it defines, measures, and communicates impact. For some, impact is immediate and measurable; for others, it evolves over time through knowledge transfer, capacity building, or policy influence.
Impact is often framed as socio-economic, yet emphasis may differ across RIs. Accordingly, indicators vary — some RIs use Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), while others link KPIs to qualitative narratives linking human stories and decision-making activities resulting from the RI’s performance. Effective assessment blends quantitative and qualitative approaches, providing a clearer picture of how RI activities create value.
Assessing impact supports strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and long-term sustainability.
We welcome abstracts on topics including:
• Conceptual and methodological approaches to impact assessment
• Frameworks and tools for evaluating impact
• Case studies and ongoing evaluations
• Communicating and using impact evidence for policy and funding

Science and arts: How to communicate science?

Submission #18, submitted by Nina Buchmann, ETH Zurich, Switzerland, nina.buchmann@usys.ethz.ch

Climate change with its pronounced effects on global ecosystems and human societies is of global concern. While science aims to understand the intricate interplay of many drivers and their consequences on the climate system, global ecosystems, and societies, the knowledge about this complexity and potential solutions in the lay public is still limited. Many efforts have been made in the past to communicate causes and consequences of global climate change, complex process interactions, modulated by land and ocean management and urbanization. However, success stories on how to communicate science often get forgotten, the resources needed and the translation to local contexts thus often hamper their effectiveness and the longevity of beneficial impacts on the lay public.
The session aims to foster an interdisciplinary exchange among researchers and artists working on communicating science related climate change, addressing different target audiences, using different approaches, including on-site or on-line, in-person or virtual, printed or programmed, visuals or acoustics. We welcome contributions focused on experiences, good or bad, tools and approaches, projects and programs, to learn from each other and to initiate a dialogue between the scientific community and the lay public.

Greenhouse Gas Observations and Land Management Effects on Carbon Budgets

Submission #17, submitted by Manuel Acosta, Global Change Research Institute, Czech Academy of Sciences, acosta.m@czechglobe.cz

Quantifying greenhouse gas (GHG) fluxes at multiple spatial and temporal scales is fundamental to understanding terrestrial contributions to the global carbon budget. This section focuses on advancing observational and analytical approaches for assessing carbon and GHG dynamics on managed and unmanaged terrestrial systems, emphasising the integration of in situ measurements and process-based modelling.
A particular focus will be on the effects of land use, land-use change, and ecosystem management on GHG fluxes, with an emphasis on terrestrial ecosystems (forest, grassland, cropland, peatland, wetland and agroecosystem). Contributions addressing methodological developments in measurements, modelling and/or uncertainty assessments of GHG fluxes, partitioning of ecosystem components, accounting for agricultural management on NEE of GHG measurements over managed landscapes and the scaling of site-level data to regional/national carbon budgets are especially encouraged.
The session aims to foster discussion on harmonised data frameworks, uncertainty analysis, and cross-comparison of observational and modelling approaches. By bringing together researchers from diverse disciplines, it seeks to strengthen the empirical and conceptual basis for understanding the role of terrestrial ecosystems in climate mitigation and for improving the robustness of carbon budget assessments.

Understanding feedbacks between greenhouse gas exchange processes and climate variability using in situ observations, remote sensing, and machine learning

Submission #16, submitted by Thomas Lauvaux, Laboratoire des Sciences du Climat et de l’Environnement, thomas.lauvaux@lsce.ipsl.fr

With the atmosphere serving as an integrator for surface-atmosphere exchange processes across scales, monitoring and interpretation of atmospheric greenhouse gas (GHG) signals provides fundamental information on carbon, energy and water fluxes from natural and anthropogenic sources. Combining observations with modeling frameworks in process-based studies can reveal key mechanisms and drivers governing carbon-climate feedback processes, generating vital information to predicting their future evolution in a changing climate. In addition, recent data-driven Machine Learning (ML) approaches have also become popular for studying different components of the carbon cycle.
This session focuses on modeling frameworks (top-down and bottom-up) that investigate GHG exchange processes using observational platforms such as, localized surface networks (e.g. ICOS Atmosphere and Ecosystem, Fluxnet, NOAA,…), aircraft campaigns (e.g. MAGIC, COMET, ), or active and passive remote-sensing missions (e.g., ECOSTRESS, OCO-2/3, TROPOMI, GOSAT). This session particularly targets works that integrate diverse data sources that are not traditionally combined. We particularly target studies exploring how the fusion of diverse observations with modeling frameworks using machine learning and novel data assimilation approaches can reveal key mechanisms governing carbon-climate feedback processes, advancing our understanding of their evolution in a changing climate.

Towards Sustainable Agriculture: Measurements, Models and Management

Submission #15, submitted by Patrik Vestin, Lund University, patrik.vestin@nateko.lu.se

Agriculture is a major source of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions but also holds potential for climate mitigation through sustainable land use and carbon sequestration. Understanding the drivers and dynamics of these emissions is essential for assessing agriculture’s role in the climate system. Additionally, the introduction of novel and stress-tolerant crops, including perennial grains, drought-resistant cultivars and bioenergy species can potentially reduce environmental impacts and increase system resilience and food security. As climate change impacts intensify, there is a growing need for robust scientific approaches to quantify and model agricultural emissions across spatial and temporal scales.

The session aims to foster interdisciplinary exchange among researchers working on agricultural GHG measurements, modelling of climate impacts, remote sensing, innovative cropping systems and land-use strategies to advance understanding and inform mitigation strategies for a more sustainable agriculture.

We welcome contributions focused on i) quantifying GHG emissions from agricultural systems using field-based observational and experimental methods, ii) modelling frameworks that access agricultural climate impacts and mitigation scenarios, iii) integrating multi-scale data for regional and global assessments and v) exploring novel cropping systems and land-use strategies that influence climate-agriculture interactions.

Remote sensing and flux measurements for advancing science on resilience and nature-based climate solutions

Submission #14, submitted by Torbern Tagesson, Lund University, torbern.tagesson@nateko.lu.se

Advancing science on resilience and nature-based climate solutions requires cross-scale evidence on carbon–water–energy exchanges and their responses to land use and extreme weather events. This session aligns with the ICOS 2026 theme “Science, Data, Services: Together for Climate Action” by uniting satellite remote sensing with ICOS/FLUXNET eddy-covariance networks. We invite contributions that fuse remote-sensing data such as solar-induced chlorophyll fluorescence (SIF), land-surface temperature (LST), LiDAR, microwave and imaging spectroscopy with in situ greenhouse-gas fluxes to (i) quantify ecosystem resilience and stability (e.g., resistance, recovery, persistence), (ii) detect and attribute variability during droughts, heatwaves, storms and fires, and (iii) evaluate and verify nature-based climate solutions (e.g., restoration, rewilding, peatland/wetland management, agroforestry) through robust monitoring, reporting and verification. Submissions may include calibration/validation at ICOS/FLUXNET sites, model–data integration, and operational climate-service applications and policy links (e.g., inventories and carbon dioxide removal certification). We particularly welcome case studies leveraging ICOS elaborated products and near-real-time data, joint analyses with ESA/Copernicus missions, and methods transferable to regions with limited observational coverage. The session aims to build shared protocols and actionable indicators that translate observations into trustworthy services for climate action.

Climate feedbacks from ecosystem management and natural disturbances

Submission #13, submitted by Mana Gharun, University of Münster, mana.gharun@uni-muenster.de

Ecosystem management decisions — through agricultural and forestry practices, conservation, or restoration — along with natural disturbances such as wildfires, windthrow, floods, droughts, or heatwaves, strongly influence the physical, chemical, and biological functioning of ecosystems. These processes alter key carbon, nitrogen, water, and energy fluxes, thereby modifying greenhouse gas exchange and feedbacks between ecosystems and the climate system.
This session welcomes contributions that use field observations, experimental data, modelling, or remote sensing at various scales to quantify the effects of management practices and/or natural disturbances on ecosystem–atmosphere exchanges of energy and matter. We particularly encourage studies that integrate carbon, nitrogen, water, and energy fluxes to elucidate how management and disturbance shape the climate feedbacks of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.

Using sun-induced chlorophyll fluorescence to understand or scale EC fluxes

Submission #12, submitted by Simon De Canniere, university of antwerp, simon.decanniere@uantwerpen.be

Sun-Induced Chlorophyll fluorescence (SIF) is an electromagnetic signal linked to the activity of the photosystems, which are driving the light reactions of photosynthesis. SIF can be measured at the scale of leaf, canopy, landscape or biome with in-situ, airborne or spaceborne sensors. Eddy Covariance (EC) is a complementary technique that measures CO2 exchange by an ecosystem, thereby calculating the net ecosystem exchange (NEE) at the scale of a landscape. Combining SIF and EC provides two opportunities. First, as SIF's sensitivity to photosynthesis is rooted in the light reactions, while EC is rooted in the Calvin cycle activity. A combination of these two measurements provides a more complete image on plot photosynthesis. Second, SIF can be retrieved at large spatial scales allowing us to improve our understanding of the global carbon cycle. In this session, we invite speakers to present their work on either of these subjects, as well as on adjacent subjects including sensor advancements, stress monitoring, photosynthesis modelling, etc.

Unlocking Climate Research Solutions Through Co-Design

Submission #11, submitted by Mariana Salgado, mariana.salgado@icos-ri.eu

Why do some tools hinder research, web applications confuse users, or communications fail to engage communities? Often, it is the absence of user-informed insights, through the whole development process also known as co-design.

This session explores how co-design helps define, test, and develop climate services and tools by integrating user needs throughout the process. Co-design fosters collaboration among researchers, policymakers, and other stakeholders, ensuring that services align with real-world demands and support effective climate action and policy.

Aligned with the theme “Climate Action Services and Climate Policy,” the session invites researchers, designers, and developers to share case studies, insights, and lessons from co-design experiences. Projects in early stages seeking feedback are also welcome. Participants will learn to recognize when co-design is missing and how to involve stakeholders to create more usable, impactful outcomes.

If you’re involving users in the development and refinement of your services, you are already co-designing. This session will help scientists and practitioners identify barriers that co-design can address and exchange practical approaches for integrating it into their work. Join us to share experiences and shape the future of climate solutions through collaborative, user-centered design.

Emerging approaches for greenhouse gas flux measurements

Submission #10, submitted by Claire Treat, Aarhus University, claire.treat@agro.au.dk

Quantifying greenhouse gas emissions can be challenging due to strong spatial and temporal heterogeneity in sources, particularly for methane emissions. Advances in instrumentation and low-cost sensor technologies are allowing new types and approaches for measurements to capture these heterogeneous sources. In this session, we welcome contributions using new techniques, such as mobile or UAV-based GHG measurement platforms. We also welcome contributions related to the use of low-cost sensors, including calibration, verification, and measurement strategies, as well as other emerging GHG flux measurement approaches.

Combining data and models to support emissions estimation and policy at local to regional scales

Submission #9

Atmospheric observations of greenhouse gases, and related tracers, provide a wealth of information on their sources and sinks. This information can be harnessed using models of atmospheric transport to gain insights into the spatial and temporal distribution of greenhouse gas emissions and removals. This session focuses on employing models, and especially atmospheric inversions, to improve estimation of greenhouse gas emissions and removals, at national and regional scales. Particular attention will be paid to studies using atmospheric observations to verify and improve national greenhouse gas inventories or to support the monitoring of emission mitigation policies.

Designing the ideal global greenhouse gas monitoring network

Submission #8, submitted by Alex Vermeulen, ICOS ERIC and Lund University, alex.vermeulen@icos-ri.eu

A global effort is needed to transfer from the current Greenhouse Gas observation network on a voluntary basis in scientific mode to an operational network based on a secure governance model. The Global Greenhouse Gas Watch (G3W) initiative aims at setting up such a network. This requires a common set of monitoring approaches and principles applied across observing networks aiming at integration in WMO. The GHG community should define whether and how a tiered network structure can be adopted. The cost-efficient design of the observing network is needed for the implementation at WMO member countries and international community, utilizing common monitoring principles across domains. Strategies for the development of the satellite segment of the GHG observing system are well established but the surface (including over the ocean) network design needs further optimization. In this session we invite contributions from for example the modelling (e.g. TRANSCOM) and observation community for all domains on the following topics:
• Network optimization based on the results of model intercomparisons
• Network optimization based on footprint analysis
• Results of the Observing System Simulation Experiments, including benefits and impact of the optimized networks

Flux Measurements for Immediate Societal Benefits

Submission #7, submitted by George Burba, University of Nebraska, CarbonDew Community of Practice, LI-COR, gburba@unl.edu

Direct flux measurements of heat, water, greenhouse gases (GHGs), and pollutants between the earth’s surface and its atmosphere unlock fair and equitable climate solutions across natural and built environments. Innovations and markets, as well as environmental policies based on such an approach, help resolve global climate and air quality challenges and fairly reward small and big stakeholders.

This session, organized collaboratively by academic research, non-profit organisations, and industry, welcomes ideas and examples of how to utilize direct flux measurements for tangible societal benefits, such as carbon removal, agriculture and forestry, reduction of anthropogenic emissions, various nature-based climate solutions, environmental impact management, and more.

For instance, these measurements can be applied to irrigation scheduling, soil and plant treatments, GHG reduction and sequestration, global warming potential, urban heat management, satellite and model products, industrial and urban emissions, severe weather impacts, air quality management, and can be used as a diagnostic tool for meeting net-zero targets by different organizations, regulatory, policy, and government agencies.

Join us to discuss developing a global paradigm for maximum-integrity, low-latency, and economically sound earth stewardship, anchored in direct flux measurements.

Cross-Scale Responses of Greenhouse Gas Variability to Climate Extremes

Submission #6, submitted by Wenxin Zhang, School of Geographical and Earth Sciences, University of Glasgow, UK; Department of Physical Geography and Ecosystem Science, Lund University, Sweden, wenxin.zhang@glasgow.ac.uk

Climate extremes, such as temperature extremes, heavy precipitation, floods, storms, and compound events, are becoming more frequent and intense under ongoing climate change. These events impose strong and often nonlinear impacts on greenhouse gas (GHG) fluxes (CO₂, CH₄, and N₂O), altering carbon and nitrogen cycling from daily pulses to decadal shifts. Despite increasing evidence, our mechanistic understanding of how ecosystems respond to extremes remains limited, creating substantial uncertainties in predicting biosphere–atmosphere feedbacks.
This session invites contributions that explore GHG variability during and after extreme events across a wide range of ecosystems, including tundra, forests, wetlands, grasslands, croplands, and aquatic environments. We particularly welcome studies employing diverse approaches such as in situ measurements (eddy covariance, chambers, isotopes), experimental manipulations, process-based and Earth system models, and satellite or airborne remote sensing datasets. Integrative research that combines observations and models to disentangle drivers, quantify legacy effects, and upscale local processes to regional or global scales is especially encouraged.
By bringing together observational, experimental, and modelling perspectives, this session aims to identify emerging patterns in GHG responses to extremes, highlight methodological advances across scales, and define critical knowledge gaps. Our goal is to foster cross-disciplinary collaborations and improve future predictions of GHG exchange.

Remote sensing of atmospheric greenhouse gases for climate action

Submission #5, submitted by Mahesh Kumar Sha, Royal Belgian Institute for Space Aeronomy (BIRA-IASB), mahesh.sha@aeronomie.be

Greenhouse gas (GHG) monitoring is carried out using in-situ and remote sensing techniques. While in-situ monitoring is performed by sampling the air either at the Earth’s surface or using airborne platforms to obtain profile information, remote sensing techniques provide complementary information on the total and/or partial columns of the atmosphere. Ground- and satellite-based instruments can retrieve column concentrations of GHGs from the Earth’s surface to the top of the atmosphere. The ground-based remote sensing networks TCCON, NDACC-IRWG and COCCON provide Fiducial Reference Measurements of GHGs used for satellite and model validation studies. Satellites are also continuously improving, both in terms of their observational capabilities and in reducing the uncertainties of the derived products: starting from global GHG Mappers like SCIAMACHY (2002), .. Sentinel-5 Precursor (2017), .. MicroCarb, Sentinel-5 (2025) and upcoming missions such as CO2M, MERLIN. Since 2016, there are also small satellites called Facility Scale Plume Monitors contributing to the quantification of GHG emissions from space.

We invite submissions on new atmospheric remote sensing techniques or sensors, innovative measurement methods, innovative scientific applications; and validation techniques for the evaluation of satellite and model data that are critical for building up monitoring and verification support (MVS) capacity and climate action.