Many scientists have generously contributed their time and expertise to this report on in situ carbon data and information. The untiring efforts of Josef Cihlar and the contributing authors were fundamental. GTOS would also like to recognize the beneficial collaboration that occurred with the International Geosphere-Biosphere Programme (IGBP).
In addition, the members of the International Global Observing Strategy (IGOS) partnership provided useful technical support and a multi-institutional framework for the terrestrial carbon initiative.
The ongoing financial support of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the other GTOS sponsors - International Council for Science (ICSU), United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), World Meteorological Organization (WMO) - provides the lubricant through which such initiatives may be undertaken and is greatly appreciated.
Special thanks also go to Reuben Sessa of the GTOS secretariat who prepared this document, and the two previous TCO documents, for publication.
Jeff Tschirley
GTOS Programme Director