ABSTRACT
An Introduction is given to the available climate data, their handling using various analytical tools, and to the models describing the past and modern climate. The available databases are then described along with the techniques used for the regular observation of various meteorological parameters. Particular attention is paid on the networks and large programmes of satellite observations and used to develop sophisticated climate models. For the latter, the deep knowledge of the Earth radiation budget and its crucial components are discussed, focusing on natural and anthropogenic trace-gases and aerosols detected by ground-based, balloon, aircraft, and satellite observations, as well as the land use and cover. Then, some catastrophic events from paleoclimate data are mentioned to understand the modern extreme climate and predict how it will change in the future. Finally, current knowledge of weather and climate forecast models is presented with an emphasis on increasing CO2 and its climate feedback mechanisms.
