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Measuring what matters

The Kennaook/Cape Grim Baseline Air Pollution Station pictured from the sea. Australia’s future is closely tied to the health of our environment. From climate and weather to oceans, air quality and ecosystems, informed decisions depend on trusted environmental information.

Environmental Observing Systems (EOS) is the national capability within CSIRO that designs, builds and operates Australia’s critical environmental observing infrastructure, delivering the data Australia relies on to adapt, respond and plan for change.

What we do

EOS brings together science, engineering and technology to observe Australia’s atmosphere, oceans and ecosystems. EOS:

  • Design and operate long term environmental observing networks across Australia and its surrounding oceans
  • Deploy advanced technologies, including autonomous platforms and real time monitoring systems
  • Transform measurements and samples into trusted, quality controlled data
  • Maintain nationally unique calibration, data and sample archives to ensure accuracy and continuity

Our focus is simple: Measure what matters—now and into the future.

Two people looking at a glass instrument in a laboratory.

Why it matters

Environmental change often begins where we can’t easily see it, deep in the ocean, high in the atmosphere, or in remote regions. EOS helps detect early signals of change, providing lead time for smarter decisions and effective action. A person on a rocky seashore colleting seawater in large blue containers.

Our observations support:

  • Early warning of extreme weather, marine events and environmental risks
  • Evidence based policy, planning and emergency response
  • Sustainable management of natural resources and ecosystems
  • National and international climate and environmental commitments

As environmental pressures grow, the need for timely, trusted information has never been greater. Environmental Observing Systems ensures Australia is equipped with the evidence needed to build resilience, adapt to change and protect our environment for future generations.

Measuring what matters

Australia’s future is closely tied to the health of our environment. From climate and weather to oceans, air quality and ecosystems, informed decisions depend on trusted environmental information.

Kennaook/Cape Grim in Tasmania has some of the cleanest air in the world, and serves as an ideal location to measure changes in greenhouse gas emissions. Credit: CSIRO

Environmental Observing Systems (EOS) is the national capability within CSIRO that designs, builds and operates Australia’s critical environmental observing infrastructure, delivering the data Australia relies on to adapt, respond and plan for change.

What we do

EOS brings together science, engineering and technology to observe Australia’s atmosphere, oceans and ecosystems. EOS:

  • Design and operate long term environmental observing networks across Australia and its surrounding oceans
  • Deploy advanced technologies, including autonomous platforms and real time monitoring systems
  • Transform measurements and samples into trusted, quality controlled data
  • Maintain nationally unique calibration, data and sample archives to ensure accuracy and continuity

Our focus is simple: Measure what matters—now and into the future.

Oceanographic Calibration Facility technicians inspect the water triple point, which is used to ensure the validity of measurements made by instruments in the field. Image: CSIRO-Dearna Bond.

Why it matters

Environmental change often begins where we can’t easily see it, deep in the ocean, high in the atmosphere, or in remote regions. EOS helps detect early signals of change, providing lead time for smarter decisions and effective action.

Roadmap author Dr Maarten De Brauwer collecting seawater to filter eDNA.

Our observations support:

  • Early warning of extreme weather, marine events and environmental risks
  • Evidence based policy, planning and emergency response
  • Sustainable management of natural resources and ecosystems
  • National and international climate and environmental commitments

As environmental pressures grow, the need for timely, trusted information has never been greater. Environmental Observing Systems ensures Australia is equipped with the evidence needed to build resilience, adapt to change and protect our environment for future generations.