Current status on the need for improved accessibility to climate models code

Abstract

Over the past few years, increasing attention has been focused on the need to publish computer code as an integral part of the research process. This has been reflected in improved policies on publication in scientific journals, including key related issues such as repositories and licensing. We explore the state of the art of code availability and the sharing of climate models using the Fifth Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP5) models as a test bed, and we include some particular reflections on this case. Our results show that there are many limitations in terms of access to the code for these climate models and that the climate modelling community needs to improve its code-sharing practice to comply with best practice in this regard and the most recent editorial publishing policies.