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 international 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 LaboratoryMauna Loa CO₂ record — the primary atmospheric CO₂ dataset — and greenhouse gas monitoring network.
- Copernicus Climate Change ServiceERA5 reanalysis, monthly climate bulletins, temperature anomaly records. European Union 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 modeling.
- Stockholm Resilience CentrePlanetary boundaries framework, Earth system science and social-ecological systems research.
- Woods Hole Oceanographic InstitutionOcean heat content, deep ocean circulation, and marine climate research.
- British Antarctic SurveyIce 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 ProjectAnnual global carbon budget — tracking CO₂ sources, sinks, and atmospheric accumulation.
- Climate Action TrackerCountry emissions trajectories and Paris Agreement pledge tracking. Independent scientific analysis.
- Our World in Data — Climate & EnergyAccessible data visualization of climate and energy statistics from primary sources.
Climate Risk and Policy
- Carbon BriefHigh-quality science journalism on climate change, energy, and policy. Strong focus on explaining primary research.
- The Guardian — EnvironmentMajor international media outlet with dedicated, high-quality climate science and policy coverage.
- DeSmogTracking climate science disinformation — documenting the fossil fuel industry’s role in climate denial.
Data Visualization and Monitoring
- Copernicus Climate BulletinsMonthly state of the climate — temperature, sea ice, extreme weather, and ocean heat updates.
- NOAA Climate.govPublic-facing US climate data, explainers, and monitoring dashboards.
- Berkeley EarthIndependent global surface temperature analysis, providing cross-validation of NASA and NOAA records.
- Schmidt Ocean InstituteOcean research expeditions and real-time ocean science data.
Health and Social Impacts
- Lancet CountdownAnnual report on health and climate change — tracking 44 indicators of climate health risk globally.
- Climate Vulnerability MonitorRegional climate vulnerability assessment tracking mortality, economic, and adaptation indicators.
- World Health Organization — Climate Change and HealthWHO 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.