prSRPS EN 18420:2026

Climate Services – Principles, requirements, and guidelines

Scope

The term “climate services” is a complex concept encompassing multiple components, including the selection, processing and
integration of diverse types of data, information and knowledge. It also involves various processes requiring collaboration among
multiple actors and all elements necessary for delivering an effective service. Climate services are often confused with climate data
and climate information, yet these are only one element. In reality, climate services focus on using climate data, contextualising
knowledge about climate variability and change into specific decision-making contexts.
This standard covers the entire scope of climate services as described in the components (below), including their technical,
procedural and performance characteristics, while defining the standardisable aspects of climate services. It also identifies relevant
governance mechanisms and existing standards applicable to climate services.