We construct composite datasets for use in climate models participating in the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP) and related experiments, many of which will support the IPCC's upcoming seventh assessment report (AR7). We use ground-based observations from multiple datasets, and satellite-based Earth observations. Much of this work is delivered with the support of the European Space Agency (ESA).
ESM Input Data
Earth system model input datasets
Spatially gridded input datasets for Earth System Models
Climate Resource is building input data sets to support the next phase of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP7), a cornerstone of global climate research and a foundation for assessments by the IPCC and other international bodies. Our team has delivered updated historical greenhouse gas concentrations, ensuring that the latest climate model simulations are based on consistent, high-quality input data. We work closely with collaborators around the world to finalise future scenario concentrations. This work is essential for generating reliable projections of future climate under a range of socio-economic pathways.
We use ground-based observations from multiple datasets to construct a composite dataset suitable for use in climate models participating in CMIP7 and related experiments. To assess consistency and improvements across modeling phases, we compare datasets from previous CMIP iterations (CMIP5, CMIP6, and CMIP7) and evaluate the differences among their derived data products. In the current project, we introduce a novel methodology to incorporate satellite-based Earth observations, enhancing spatial coverage and data completeness.
In previous projects related to ESM input datasets we worked with Australia's CSIRO (Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation) to develop spatially gridded datasets at 0.5° X 0.5° resolution of the emissions that could emerge with an increase in hydrogen-based fuels in a decarbonising global economy.
Pipelines - CMIP7 datasets
The Pipelines for generating greenhouse gas (GHG) concentration inputs and historical datasets for Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP) experiments are available for:
- Historical concentrations for CMIP experiments. GitHub repository: climate-resource/CMIP-GHG-Concentration-Generation
- GHG concentration inputs (i.e., forcings) for CMIP7’s ScenarioMIP. GitHub repository: climate-resource/cmip7-scenariomip-ghg-concentrations
- GHG concentration inputs for CMIP, including Earth observation data. GitHub repository: climate-resource/GHG-forcing-for-CMIP
Methodology - CMIP7 ESM input data
The full methodology and dataset for these CMIP7 experiments will be described in a forthcoming new open-access publication in Geoscientific Model Development, in the meantime, for an overview of CMIP7, Dunne, et al., (2025) An evolving Coupled Model Intercomparison Project phase 7 (CMIP7) and Fast Track in support of future climate assessment https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-18-6671-2025.
Licensing and access
The data products generated by these pipelines are freely available at the Input4MIPs dataset overview on greenhouse gas concentrations
Get in touch at contact@climate-resource.com if you would like to know more