The Global Basic Observing Network (GBON) is an international agreement that responds to the most essential data requirements of global weather and climate prediction models that are not met by satellite systems. Based on a global optimal design, GBON sets clear requirements to countries for collecting and internationally sharing surface-based observations of the most essential weather and climate variables i.e., atmospheric pressure, temperature, humidity, wind speed, precipitation, and snow depth. In 2019, the Eighteenth World Meteorological Congress (Cg-18) and its 193 Member countries and territories agreed to establish the GBON. It is based on the principle of global free and unrestricted data-sharing and collaboration among nations for a critical global public good. The final GBON technical requirements were approved by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) Infrastructure Commission and amendments to these regulations was approved by the WMO Extraordinary Congress in 2021.
There are two distinct shortfalls that GBON is addressing: Insufficient collection of essential surface-based weather and climate observations in particular in meteorologically critical parts of the globe; and insufficient international sharing of these data. GBON addresses both issues through the definition of specific requirements that countries have committed to meet.
