Promoting the Peaceful Use of IMS Data for Climate Research and Climate Change Monitoring             

Abstract

The CTBTO receives, collects, processes, analyzes, reports, and archives data from IMS facilities and makes it available to authorized users. Automatic processing methods and interactive human analysis are done on a routine basis to raw IMS data in order to produce and archive standard IDC products. IMS data plays a vital role in nuclear explosion monitoring. In addition, IMS data plays a crucial role in various scientific and civil applications, possible civil applications include disaster risk reduction by early warning or hazard assessments for earthquakes, tsunamis and volcano eruptions. Scientific applications include earth science topics like climate change, deep ocean temperatures, whale migration, earth core structure, atmospheric circulation, radionuclide sources, or acoustic wave propagation modelling. It also aids in nuclear accident detection and contributes to sustainable development efforts.  The primary purpose of the IMS data is for nuclear explosion monitoring. However, this data can also greatly contribute to climate research and climate change monitoring, ultimately promoting the resilience of communities and their ability to resist/adapt to climate change. The CTBT and its monitoring data may create opportunities that could help address these issues, since the IMS data has the potential to contribute to climate research and climate change monitoring. Data from the IMS nuclear monitoring network can provide practical steps that can be used by States Signatories and international organizations to protect the planet and its people. Climate change monitoring is the scientific application used for this presentation to discuss the possible opportunities. It reviews IMS data that have successfully been associated with contributing to climate research and climate change monitoring so far.  Based on these positive examples, this research makes suggestions on how to further implement the use of IMS data to enhance climate change studies and how this data can continually contribute to monitoring climate change. Implementing IMS data in climate change studies can enhance our understanding and response to climate change. These technologies offer valuable insights into climate change research by monitoring various indicators, validating models, and studying Earth's systems and phenomena. Harnessing the potential of IMS data enhances our understanding of climate change, facilitates effective mitigation measures, and supports the development of resilient communities. The use of IMS data for such purposes also returns a benefit regarding calibration and data analysis methods. IMS data contributes to climate research and climate change monitoring by detecting atmospheric events, verifying emissions reduction efforts, monitoring oceans, improving climate modeling, studying long-term trends, and promoting collaboration. By raising awareness and promoting the peaceful use of IMS data for climate studies, we can garner support for this important cause while contributing to the global effort of achieving the universalization and entry into force of the CTBT.