The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) plays a crucial role in shaping our understanding and responses to climate change. Through its comprehensive assessment reports, the IPCC provides a scientific basis for governments and policymakers worldwide to take action. Let’s explore some key questions about the IPCC and its work.
What is the IPCC, and why was it established?
Established in 1988, the IPCC is a United Nations body co-sponsored by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the UN Environment Programme. Its primary purpose is to assess and report on the science related to climate change, its impacts, and potential future risks, as well as to put forward adaptation and mitigation strategies.
What types of reports does the IPCC produce?
The IPCC produces three main types of reports: assessment reports, which are comprehensive overviews of climate change science, impacts, and mitigation strategies; special reports, focusing on specific climate change issues; and methodology reports, providing guidelines for estimating greenhouse gas emissions and removals. These reports are the result of collaborative efforts by scientists from around the world.
How do IPCC reports contribute to global climate change efforts?
IPCC reports have been instrumental in confirming that the planet is significantly warmer due to human activities. Specifically, the Sixth Assessment Report (AR6) highlighted the urgent need to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius to avoid the most catastrophic impacts of climate change. These reports inform international climate agreements, such as the Paris Agreement, and guide national policies and actions.
What is the Paris Agreement’s central goal?
The Paris Agreement aims to keep the global average temperature increase well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. It also seeks to limit the temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius to reduce the impacts of climate change.
What is a ‘global stocktake’ (GST)?
The GST is conducted every five years by countries participating in the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). It serves as a review process for nations to evaluate their collective progress towards achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement, identify any gaps, and adjust their climate action plans accordingly.
When did the first GST occur, and what was its outcome?
The first GST began in 2022 and concluded at the 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28) to the UNFCCC in December 2023. During this session, member countries reached an agreement that asked the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) to align its research and reporting with future GSTs to provide timely and relevant information.
What is expected for the second GST?
Scheduled for 2028, the second GST has prompted member countries to request that the IPCC publish its Seventh Assessment Report (AR7) before the stocktake. This request aims to enable countries to evaluate their progress in addressing climate change based on the latest scientific data and analysis provided by the IPCC.
What will the Seventh Assessment Report (AR7) cycle involve?
The AR7 cycle aims to produce a new set of reports that include full assessment and synthesis reports, methodology reports on topics like short-lived climate forcers and carbon removal, and a special report focusing on climate change and cities. This cycle is designed to address emerging scientific literature, the need for new climate models, and the importance of engaging with under-represented communities.
How does the IPCC assess future climate scenarios?
The IPCC uses integrated assessment models (IAMs) to project future scenarios based on various pathways of greenhouse gas emissions and socio-economic developments. These models help understand the potential outcomes of different climate policies and actions, highlighting the importance of immediate and substantial efforts to mitigate climate change.
Why is equity an important consideration in climate action?
Equity is central to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), recognizing that while all countries must act to combat climate change, wealthier nations have greater responsibilities and capabilities. This principle ensures that efforts to mitigate climate change are fair and consider the differing impacts and capacities of countries around the world.
Through its rigorous scientific assessment reports, the IPCC provides a foundation for global efforts to combat climate change, highlighting the critical need for immediate and sustained action across the globe.