The workshop explored how the Global Earth Observation System of Systems (GEOSS) could serve the data and information needs of the research communities dealing with climate impacts and adaptation, exploring its potential to improve and accelerate their access to a broad range of relevant information. The workshop results will be able to drive the implementation of GEOSS over the next several years in a way that contributes in a concrete and practical manner to the research process for the AR5 and other future assessments.