WCC-SF₆ holds training and education courses to assist in provision of training and education for the WMO/GAW stations observers and researchers every year. In particular, for supporting practical techniques to monitor the greenhouse gases in the stations in Asia Pacific region, where has gaps in the greenhouse gas measurement networks.

The course includes Korea GAW station tour, and principles and practice exercise for monitoring SF₆ and relevant greenhouse gases using GC-ECD (Gas Chromatography with Electron Capture Detector) and CRDS (Cavity Ring-Down Spectroscopy). From 2014 to now, over 80 participants from India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam. Jordan, Costa Rica, Tajikistan, South Africa, Fiji, Brazil, Russia, Ethiopia, New Zealand, China and etc. attended the course.

Building Capacity for High-Quality SF₆ Observations

To support WMO/GAW stations and their personnel in achieving high-quality SF₆ measurements, WCC-SF₆ organizes annual training and education courses. These courses provide technical guidance, hands-on experience, and long-term support, particularly for stations in the Asia-Pacific region, where gaps exist in greenhouse gas monitoring networks.

Since 2014, over 80 participants from India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, Jordan, Costa Rica, Tajikistan, South Africa, Fiji, Brazil, Russia, Ethiopia, New Zealand, China, and other countries have attended the training, strengthening international expertise in greenhouse gas measurement techniques.

Comprehensive Training Program

The course offers a balanced mix of theory and practice, covering:

• Fundamentals of SF₆ and other greenhouse gas species monitoring aligned with WMO/GAW guidelines.
• Hands-on training with Gas Chromatography (GC-ECD) and Cavity Ring-Down Spectroscopy (CRDS) for greenhouse gases.
• Calibration and data analysis using real measurement datasets.
• Site visits, including a tour of Korea’s GAW station to observe operational monitoring systems.

Recent Training Highlights

The 8th WCC-SF₆ Training and Education Course, scheduled for November 4–8, 2024, hosted by NIMS/KMA in Korea.

• Participants engaged in instrumental calibration exercises and attended special lectures by experts from NOAA, NIES, and ECCC.
• Courses have included both in-person and virtual sessions, ensuring accessibility for a diverse international audience.

Expanding Global Collaboration

The WCC-SF₆ Training & Education Course is open to new and experienced greenhouse gas monitoring personnel, helping them refine their measurement techniques and quality assurance practices. The program also fosters global collaboration by connecting participants with leading scientists in the field.

By continuously providing training and outreach, WCC-SF₆ strengthens the capacity of WMO/GAW stations, ensuring accurate, traceable, and high-quality atmospheric SF₆ data for climate research and policy development.

Archives of the WCC-SF₆ Training and Education Course

• 2014: The 1st Training and Education Course
• 2015: The 2nd Training and Education Course
• 2016: The 3rd Training and Education Course
• 2018: The 4th Training and Education Course
• 2019: The 5th Training and Education Course
• 2022: The 6th Training and Education Course
• 2023: The 7th Training and Education Course
• 2024: The 8th Training and Education Course