The following organizations, databases, and resources represent the best available sources for climate science data, research, and education. This list is curated by CEI based on scientific credibility and relevance to understanding the climate emergency.
Intergovernmental Bodies
- Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Authoritative scientific body on climate change. Reports from Working Groups I, II, and III form the global scientific consensus baseline.
- UN Environment Programme (UNEP) Annual Emissions Gap Report, measuring the gap between pledged and necessary emissions reductions.
- World Meteorological Organization (WMO) Annual State of the Global Climate reports. Key source for temperature anomaly, extreme weather, and sea level data.
- UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)International climate negotiations and Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) tracker.
Scientific Research Institutions
- NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies (GISS) Surface temperature records, GISTEMP dataset, and global climate modeling.
- NOAA Global Monitoring Laboratory Mauna Loa CO₂ record — the primary atmospheric CO₂ dataset — and greenhouse gas monitoring network.
- Copernicus Climate Change Service ERA5 reanalysis, monthly climate bulletins, temperature anomaly records. European Union’s Climate Data Authority.
- National Snow and Ice Data Center (NSIDC) Arctic and Antarctic sea ice extent, age, and thickness data. Primary source for cryosphere monitoring.
- Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK) Climate tipping points research, planetary boundaries, and integrated assessment modelling.
- Stockholm Resilience Centre Planetary boundaries framework, Earth system science and social-ecological systems research.
- Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution Ocean heat content, deep ocean circulation, and marine climate research.
- British Antarctic Survey Ice sheet dynamics, polar climate science, and Antarctic research programmes.
Emissions Data
- EDGAR (EU Joint Research Centre) Global greenhouse gas emissions database — the most comprehensive national and sectoral emissions dataset.
- Global Carbon Project Annual global carbon budget — tracking CO₂ sources, sinks, and atmospheric accumulation.
- Climate Action Tracker Country emissions trajectories and Paris Agreement pledge tracking. Independent scientific analysis.
- Our World in Data — Climate & Energy Accessible data visualization of climate and energy statistics from primary sources.
Climate Risk and Policy
- Carbon Brief High-quality science journalism on climate change, energy, and policy. Strong focus on explaining primary research.
- The Guardian — Environment Major international media outlet with dedicated, high-quality climate science and policy coverage.
- DeSmog Tracking climate science disinformation — documenting the fossil fuel industry’s role in climate denial.
Data Visualization and Monitoring
- Copernicus Climate Bulletins Monthly state of the climate — temperature, sea ice, extreme weather, and ocean heat updates.
- NOAA Climate.gov Public-facing US climate data, explainers, and monitoring dashboards.
- Berkeley Earth Independent global surface temperature analysis, providing cross-validation of NASA and NOAA records.
- Schmidt Ocean Institute Ocean research expeditions and real-time ocean science data.
Health and Social Impacts
- Lancet Countdown Annual report on health and climate change — tracking 44 indicators of climate health risk globally.
- Climate Vulnerability Monitor Regional climate vulnerability assessment tracking mortality, economic, and adaptation indicators.
- World Health Organization — Climate Change and Health WHO guidance on climate-related health risks, heat stress, disease vectors, and public health response.
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This resource list is maintained by CEI. For questions about specific resources or to suggest additions, please use our Contact page.