GENEVA, Dec 15 – The expert and government review of the second order draft of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Special Report on Global Warming of 1.5ºC will take place from 8 January until 25 February 2018. Expert Reviewers can register as of today, 15 December 2017, until one week before the end of the review period.
The government and expert review of the draft report is a key element of the IPCC assessment process. Experts and government representatives from around the world will offer comments and suggestions to the author teams working on the report Global Warming of 1.5°C: an IPCC special report on the impacts of global warming of 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels and related global greenhouse gas emission pathways, in the context of strengthening the global response to the threat of climate change, sustainable development, and efforts to eradicate poverty.
“The review process is essential for the quality of IPCC assessment reports. The first round of review was extremely successful, with nearly 13,000 comments from almost 500 expert reviewers in over 60 countries,” said Valérie Masson-Delmotte, Co-Chair of IPCC Working Group I. “The authors have carefully considered these comments, as well as any new scientific literature, and prepared a second draft. Registering as a reviewer is an opportunity for experts, including early career scientists, to join this collective effort and help to strengthen the assessment even further.”
All IPCC reports go through multiple stages of formal review. After the expert review of the first draft, the second draft is reviewed by both governments and experts alongside a first draft of the Summary for Policymakers (SPM). Once the second round of review comments have been taken into account, governments review the final draft of the report and offer written comments on the SPM. Finally, governments meet to approve the SPM line by line and accept the underlying report.
This thorough review process ensures that IPCC reports consider objectively the full range of scientific, technical and socio-economic information from around the world. Expert Reviewers can register here with a self-declaration of expertise. Those who reviewed the First Order Draft review will automatically be registered for the second round. Review contributions will be acknowledged in the final report, due to be published in October 2018. Guidance on the review process and role of Expert Reviewers can be found here.
For more information, contact:
IPCC Press Office, Email: ipcc-media@wmo.int
Jonathan Lynn, +41 22 730 8066 or Werani Zabula, +41 22 730 8120
IPCC Working Group I Technical Support Unit: Roz Pidcock, +44 7746 515669
Follow IPCC on Facebook, Twitter @ipcc_ch, LinkedIn and Instagram.
Notes for editors
The Special Report on Global Warming of 1.5ºC is being prepared in response to an invitation from the 21st Conference of the Parties (COP21) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in December 2015 and will inform the Talanoa Dialogue. Officially launched last month at COP23 and due to begin in January 2018, the Talanoa Dialogue will take stock of the collective efforts of Parties in relation to progress towards the long-term goal of the Paris Agreement, and to inform the preparation of nationally determined contributions. You can see the approved outline of the Special Report on 1.5°C or find more details on the report page. The report is being prepared under the joint scientific leadership of all three IPCC Working Groups, with support from the Working Group I Technical Support Unit.
What is the IPCC?
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) is the UN body for assessing the science related to climate change. It was established by the United Nations Environment Programme (UN Environment) and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) in 1988 to provide policymakers with regular scientific assessments concerning climate change, its implications and potential future risks, as well as to put forward adaptation and mitigation strategies. It has 195 member states.
IPCC assessments provide governments, at all levels, with scientific information that they can use to develop climate policies. IPCC assessments are a key input into the international negotiations to tackle climate change. IPCC reports are drafted and reviewed in several stages, thus guaranteeing objectivity and transparency.
The IPCC assesses the thousands of scientific papers published each year to tell policymakers what we know and don’t know about the risks related to climate change. The IPCC identifies where there is agreement in the scientific community, where there are differences of opinion, and where further research is needed. It does not conduct its own research.
To produce its reports, the IPCC mobilizes hundreds of scientists. These scientists and officials are drawn from diverse backgrounds. Only a dozen permanent staff work in the IPCC’s Secretariat.
The IPCC has three working groups: Working Group I, dealing with the physical science basis of climate change; Working Group II, dealing with impacts, adaptation and vulnerability; and Working Group III, dealing with the mitigation of climate change. It also has a Task Force on National Greenhouse Gas Inventories that develops methodologies for measuring emissions and removals.
IPCC Assessment Reports consist of contributions from each of the three working groups and a Synthesis Report. Special Reports undertake an assessment of cross-disciplinary issues that span more than one working group and are shorter and more focused than the main assessments.
Sixth Assessment Cycle
At its 41st Session in February 2015, the IPCC decided to produce a Sixth Assessment Report (AR6). At its 42nd Session in October 2015 it elected a new Bureau that would oversee the work on this report and Special Reports to be produced in the assessment cycle. At its 43rd Session in April 2016, it decided to produce three Special Reports, a Methodology Report and AR6.
The Methodology Report to refine the 2006 IPCC Guidelines for National Greenhouse Gas Inventories will be delivered in 2019. Besides Global Warming of 1.5ºC, the IPCC will finalize two further special reports in 2019: the Special Report on the Ocean and Cryosphere in a Changing Climate and Climate Change and Land: an IPCC special report on climate change, desertification, land degradation, sustainable land management, food security, and greenhouse gas fluxes in terrestrial ecosystems. The AR6 Synthesis Report will be finalized in the first half of 2022.
For more information, including links to the IPCC reports, go to: www.ipcc.ch
Professor Jim Skea, Co-Chair of IPCC Working Group III, spoke at the Energy Summit at the Honourable Artillery Company in London on 28 November 2017. The Energy Summit, an annual conference run by The Economist, brings together business leaders, policymakers and independent experts to discuss the big topics shaping the energy industry.
Jim Skea took part in a panel discussion with Steve Hamburg, Chief Scientist at the US Environment Defense Fund, to discuss international efforts to reduce the rise in global temperatures to “well below” 2°C. The session, moderated by The Economist’s Jan Piotrowski, focussed in particular on the impact of the US withdrawal from the Paris Agreement on global responses to climate change. Jim Skea talked about the current IPCC cycle, in particular the upcoming Special Report on Global Warming of 1.5°C and the Special Report on Climate Change and Land.
Other panels discussed topics such as the future of oil and shale gas, the potential of renewable deployment and associated challenges, the impact of the Paris Agreement on the direction of energy policy globally, the potential of electric vehicles and the importance of smart grids and demand-side measures.
Some of the questions addressed throughout the day included:
• How are pollution and climate change transforming the outlook for energy?
• Can renewables prosper without subsidies?
• What would be the impact of cost-competitive batteries on the energy grid?
• What would a more distributed and multi-directional energy grid mean for businesses, consumers and policymakers?
• How is the energy industry faring in the battle for technology talent and what industries are attractive to young graduates?
The full programme and list of speakers can be found here.
You can find more news and updates on Working Group III activities in our monthly newsletter.
Click here to subscribe.
From 6 to 17 of November 2017, nearly thirty thousand representatives from governments, international organisations, businesses, NGOs and universities came together in Bonn for the 23rd conference of parties (COP23) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.
The IPCC Working Group III, that assesses the options for reducing the rate at which climate change is taking place (climate change mitigation), attended and participated in a number of meetings and events throughout the conference.
Joint UNFCCC – IPCC Working Group on Thursday 9 November
IPCC Working Group III Co-Chair Jim Skea and IPCC Bureau, Secretariat and Technical Support Unit members attended a joint meeting with the Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice (SBSTA) of the UNFCCC. The joint Working Group was established in 1995 to facilitate cooperation between the IPCC and UNFCCC.
The broad agenda of the meeting included:
• Updates on progress on the IPCC Special Reports and 6th Assessment Report.
• A discussion on how the upcoming IPCC Special Report on Global Warming of 1.5°C will feed into the Facilitative Dialogue that will take place at COP24 in 2018.
• A general discussion on a possible alignment of the IPCC cycle with the Global Stocktake.
CitiesIPCC side event on Saturday 11 November
In partnership with the C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group, UN-Habitat and other partners, the IPCC is co-organising the CitiesIPCC conference in Edmonton, Canada on 5-7 March 2018. The conference will bring together urban researchers, policy-makers and practitioners working on climate change and cities to stimulate research on effective and efficient urban responses to climate change.
On behalf of all CitiesIPCC partners, C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group and UN-Habitat organised a side event at COP23 bringing together representatives from scientific bodies, local, regional and national governments and urban and climate change practitioners to promote and discuss science-based climate action for cities. Youba Sokona, Vice-Chair of the IPCC, made opening remarks.
Major Economies Business Forum (BizMEF) Dialogue on Sunday 12 November
Working Group III took part in the BizMEF dialogue at COP23. The event brought together representatives from governments, the UNFCCC, the IPCC and business and industry sectors, to discuss business and non-state actor engagement in the UNFCCC and climate change mitigation.
Marion Ferrat, from the Working Group III Technical Support Unit, spoke on a panel session entitled “Facilitative Dialogue and Global Stocktakes: Perspectives on Non-State Actor Input and Engagement”. Marion presented information on the Current IPCC Assessment Cycle and opportunities for Business involvement. The event included talks by Fiji Ambassador Deo Saran, Australia Ambassador for the Environment Patrick Suckling, Business Europe, the Japan Business Federation Keidanren and BizMEF. All presentations are available on the BizMEF website.
Supporting the work of the IPCC COP23 side event on Wednesday 15 Nov.
The IPCC hosted a COP23 side event on 15 November to discuss its role and activities, its work programme and its relevance to policy and decision making in the context of the implementation of the Paris Agreement and the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda.
IPCC Vice-Chairs Thelma Krug and Youba Sokona spoke about the work done so far in the sixth assessment cycle, including opportunities as expert reviewers, and how Governments can support the activities of the IPCC.
Marion Ferrat, Communications Manager in the Working Group III Technical Support Unit, spoke about the IPCC’s work on communications , and why the IPCC is placing an emphasis on effective communications between scientists, policymakers and other stakeholders this cycle.
The entire event can be watched here.
You can find more news and updates on Working Group III activities in our monthly newsletter.
Click here to subscribe.
GENEVA, Nov 3 -The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) will be taking part in the 23rd Conference of the Parties (COP23) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change taking place in Bonn, Germany, from 6 to 17 November 2017
The IPCC Chair, Hoesung Lee, will be speaking during the opening of COP23 on Monday 6 November between 10.00 and 13.00.
On 7 November, the IPCC’s Task Force on National Greenhouse Gas Inventories will have a side event to discuss progress on updating the guidelines governments use to measure their greenhouse gases – both emissions and removals through sinks. The IPCC is updating its existing guidelines in order to continue to provide a sound scientific basis for future international climate action especially under the Paris Agreement. The event will start at 18.30
The IPCC will host another side event on 15 November at 18.30, to discuss how stakeholders present at the COP23 meetings can support the work of the IPCC. The event will also be an opportunity to share information on the work done so far in the preparation of the three Special Reports and the Sixth Assessment Report.
For more information and interviews, contact:
IPCC Press Office, Email: ipcc-media@wmo.int
Werani Zabula, +41 22 730 8120 in Geneva
Jonathan Lynn, +41 79 666 7134 in Bonn
Follow IPCC on Facebook, Twitter @ipcc_ch, LinkedIn and Instagram.
Notes for editors
What is the IPCC?
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change is the United Nations body for assessing the science related to climate change. It was established by the United Nations Environment Programme and the World Meteorological Organization in 1988 to provide policymakers with regular scientific assessments concerning climate change, its implications and risks, as well as to put forward adaptation and mitigation strategies. It has 195 member states.
IPCC assessments provide governments, at all levels, with scientific information they can use to develop climate policies. IPCC assessments are a key input into the international negotiations to tackle climate change. IPCC reports are drafted and reviewed in several stages, thus guaranteeing objectivity and transparency.
The IPCC assesses the thousands of scientific papers published each year to tell policymakers what we know and don’t know about the risks related to climate change. The IPCC identifies where there is agreement in the scientific community, where there are differences of opinion, and where further research is needed. It does not conduct its own research.
To produce its reports, the IPCC mobilizes hundreds of scientists. These scientists and officials are drawn from diverse backgrounds. Only a about a dozen permanent staff work in the IPCC’s Secretariat.
The IPCC has three working groups: Working Group I, dealing with the physical science basis of climate change; Working Group II, dealing with impacts, adaptation and vulnerability; and Working Group III, dealing with the mitigation of climate change. It also has a Task Force on National Greenhouse Gas Inventories that develops methodologies for measuring emissions and removals.
IPCC Assessment Reports consist of contributions from each of the three working groups and a Synthesis Report. Special Reports undertake an assessment of cross-disciplinary issues that span more than one working group and are shorter and more focused than the main assessments.
Sixth Assessment Cycle
At its 41st Session in February 2015, the IPCC decided to produce a Sixth Assessment Report (AR6). At its 43rd Session in April 2016, it decided to produce three Special Reports, a Methodology Report and AR6.
The first of these special reports, to be finalized in early October 2018, is Global Warming of 1.5ºC, an IPCC special report on the impacts of global warming of 1.5ºC above pre-industrial levels and related global greenhouse gas emission pathways, in the context of strengthening the global response to the threat of climate change, sustainable development, and efforts to eradicate poverty.
The Methodology Report, entitled 2019 Refinement to the 2006 IPCC Guidelines for National Greenhouse Gas Inventories, will be delivered in May 2019.
In 2019 the IPCC will also finalize two Special Reports: the Special Report on the Ocean and Cryosphere in a Changing Climate, and Climate Change and Land: an IPCC special report on climate change, desertification, land degradation, sustainable land management, food security, and greenhouse gas fluxes in terrestrial ecosystems.
The IPCC approved the outlines of AR6 in early September 2017 and is now in the process of selecting its authors. The three working contributions will be released in 2021 and the Synthesis Report in April 2022.
MALMӦ, Oct 23 – Nearly 500 experts from around the world took part in the recent review of the First Order Draft of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Special Report on Global Warming of 1.5 °C (SR15). At a meeting in Malmö, Sweden, this week, the authors will work on addressing nearly 13,000 comments from expert reviewers in 61 countries as they prepare the Second Order Draft.
The Third Lead Author Meeting for the Special Report on Global Warming of 1.5°C is being held in Malmð at the kind invitation of the Swedish government. The meeting is being hosted by the Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute (SMHI) and taking place at MalmõMässan from 23-27 October 2017
This week’s meeting marks the culmination of the first round of expert review of the draft report: Global Warming of 1.5 °C: an IPCC special report on the impacts of global warming of 1.5 °C above pre-industrial levels and related global greenhouse gas emission pathways, in the context of strengthening the global response to the threat of climate change, sustainable development, and efforts to eradicate poverty.
Key statistics
- Two thousand experts from 124 different countries registered to be reviewers (based on citizenship)
- Overall, the First Order Draft of the Special Report on 1.5 °C attracted 12,895 review comments.
- These comments came from 489 expert reviewers representing 61 different countries.
- Based on citizenship, half of expert reviewers were from Europe (51%). North America, Central America and the Caribbean accounted for a further 19%, Asia (13%), South America (7%), South West Pacific (6%) and Africa (5%).
- A third (31%) of expert reviewers were female, two thirds (69%) were male.
- Three quarters of reviewers (77%) were citizens of developed countries, 23% of developing countries.
- Chapter 3 on impacts of 1.5 °C global warming on natural and human systems attracted the most review comments (3,894, 30% of total comments). See full breakdown below.
All IPCC reports go through two stages of formal review. Feedback received in the first round of expert review will be incorporated, as appropriate, by the authors into the Second Order Draft. The Second Order Draft will then be open for review by governments and experts around the world from 8 January to 25 February 2018. The final report is due to be finalised and made publicly available in October 2018.
“The Second Order Draft will include a first version of the Summary for Policymakers (SPM), which is a distillation of the most policy-relevant findings from each chapter. Governments have asked us for a very concise SPM this time (about 10 pages),” said Valérie Masson-Delmotte, WGI Co-Chair.
The IPCC’s comprehensive review process ensures that the reports cover the most up-to-date scientific, technical and socio-economic findings, and are representative of a broad range of independent expertise from developed and developing countries.
“An indicator of success for the IPCC process is the involvement of the scientists worldwide. Having about five times more expert reviewers than authors and nearly 13,000 comments is crucial. There is not a single section, table or figure that did not receive any comments,” said Masson-Delmotte.
Of the 86 experts from 39 countries selected by the members of all three IPCC Working Groups in February to be authors of the Special Report on 1.5 °C, 38% are women, 51% come from developing countries and economies in transition (based on citizenship) and 26% are new to the IPCC process.
The IPCC Special Report on Global Warming of 1.5 °C is being prepared in response to an invitation from the 21st Conference of the Parties (COP21) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. The report will be wide-ranging, assessing possible ways for limiting global warming to 1.5 °C, as well as considering these issues in the broader context of sustainable development. More details are available on the report page.
The Special Report on Global Warming of 1.5 °C is part of the IPCC’s sixth assessment cycle. This cycle will produce three Special Reports, a Methodology Report on national greenhouse gas inventories and the Sixth Assessment Report (AR6), consisting of contributions from Working Groups I, II and III and a Synthesis Report.
For more information,and interview requests, contact:
Roz Pidcock, WGI Head of Communications on +44 7746 515669, Email roz@ipcc-wg1.fr
IPCC Press Office: Email, ipcc-media@wmo.int
Follow IPCC on Facebook, Twitter @ipcc_ch, LinkedIn and Instagram.
Notes for editors
What is the IPCC?
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) is the United Nations body for assessing the science related to climate change. It was established by the United Nations Environment Programme (UN Environment) and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) in 1988 to provide policymakers with regular scientific assessments concerning climate change, its implications and risks, as well as to put forward adaptation and mitigation strategies. It has 195 member states.
IPCC assessments provide governments, at all levels, with scientific information that they can use to develop climate policies. IPCC assessments are a key input into the international negotiations to tackle climate change. IPCC reports are drafted and reviewed in several stages, thus guaranteeing objectivity and transparency.
The IPCC assesses the thousands of scientific papers published each year to tell policymakers what we know and don’t know about the risks related to climate change. The IPCC identifies where there is agreement in the scientific community, where there are differences of opinion, and where further research is needed. It does not conduct its own research.
To produce its reports, the IPCC mobilizes hundreds of scientists. These scientists and officials are drawn from diverse backgrounds. Only a dozen permanent staff work in the IPCC’s Secretariat.
The IPCC has three working groups: Working Group I, dealing with the physical science basis of climate change; Working Group II, dealing with impacts, adaptation and vulnerability; and Working Group III, dealing with the mitigation of climate change. It also has a Task Force on National Greenhouse Gas Inventories that develops methodologies for measuring emissions and removals.
IPCC Assessment Reports consist of contributions from each of the three working groups and a Synthesis Report. Special Reports undertake an assessment of cross-disciplinary issues that span more than one working group and are shorter and more focused than the main assessments.
Sixth Assessment Cycle
At its 41st Session in February 2015, the IPCC decided to produce a Sixth Assessment Report (AR6). At its 42nd Session in October 2015 it elected a new Bureau that would oversee the work on this report and Special Reports to be produced in the assessment cycle. At its 43rd Session in April 2016, it decided to produce three Special Reports, a Methodology Report and AR6.
Apart from the Special Report on Global Warming of 1.5 ºC, the IPCC will also produce:
- A Methodology Report, entitled 2019 Refinement to the 2006 IPCC Guidelines for National Greenhouse Gas Inventories, to be delivered in May 2019.
- Two special reports: the Special Report on the Ocean and Cryosphere in a Changing Climate, and Climate Change and Land: an IPCC special report on climate change, desertification, land degradation, sustainable land management, food security, and greenhouse gas fluxes in terrestrial ecosystems to be finalized in 2019.
The AR6 Synthesis Report will be finalized in the first half of 2022.
The IPCC approved the outlines of AR6 in September 2017 and is now seeking for nominations of authors for the report. The three working contributions will be released in 2021 and the Synthesis Report in April 2022.
OSLO, October 16 – More than 100 experts from 52 countries met in Oslo on Monday 16 October to begin work on the IPCC’s special report on Climate Change and Land: an IPCC special report on climate change, desertification, land degradation, sustainable land management, food security, and greenhouse gas fluxes in terrestrial ecosystems. This is one of three special reports that the IPCC will produce between now and 2019.
“In 2015, we asked Governments what topics they wanted the IPCC to focus on in this cycle. Exploring the feedbacks between climate change and land was seen as a priority,” said P.R. Shukla, Co-Chair of Working Group III, the IPCC working group that looks at how the emissions that cause climate change can be reduced. “This report will be a crucial step in the IPCC Sixth Assessment Cycle.”
The report outline was agreed in March 2017. Based on hundreds of nominations from governments and IPCC observer organizations, the IPCC then selected 103 experts to draft the report. Scientific expertise, geographic representation, gender balance and prior IPCC experience were all taken into account when making the selection.
This is the first opportunity for these experts to come together, discuss their work and start developing the report. The authors will identify the research to be assessed in the different chapters of the outline, and look at how each chapter fits into the bigger picture. The meeting is hosted by the Norwegian Environment Agency.
“Over the past year we have worked hard with Governments to develop a report structure that is both science-based and policy-relevant,” said Jim Skea, Co-Chair of Working Group III. “We are excited at getting the experts together for the first time to start writing.”
IPCC reports are produced through a process of repeated drafting and review. The authors will meet again in March 2018 to prepare a first draft of the report for expert review. The report will be finalized in 2019.
In addition to the author meeting, there will be an outreach event at the Nobel Peace Centre on 17 October, to mark the 10th anniversary of the Nobel Peace Prize jointly awarded to the IPCC and former U.S. Vice-President Al Gore. Information on the event can be found here.
You can download the full list of authors of the Report here.
For more information, contact:
IPCC Working Group III Technical Support Unit: tsu@ipcc-wg3.ac.uk
Follow IPCC on Facebook, Twitter @ipcc_ch, Instagram and LinkedIn.
Notes for editors
What is the IPCC?
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) is the UN body for assessing the science related to climate change. It was established by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) in 1988 to provide policymakers with periodic scientific assessments concerning climate change, its implications and risks, as well as to put forward adaptation and mitigation strategies. It has 195 member states.
IPCC assessments provide governments, at all levels, with scientific information that they can use to develop climate policies. IPCC assessments are a key input into the international negotiations to tackle climate change. IPCC reports are drafted and reviewed in several stages, thus guaranteeing objectivity and transparency.
Comprehensive scientific assessment reports are published every 6 to 7 years; the latest, the Fifth Assessment Report, was completed in 2014. The next comprehensive assessment is scheduled to be completed in 2022. The IPCC also publishes special reports on more specific issues between assessment reports.
In addition to the Special Report on Climate Change and Land, the IPCC has agreed to prepare two other special reports during this assessment cycle:
- Global Warming of 1.5 ºC, an IPCC special report on the impacts of global warming of 1.5 ºC above pre-industrial levels and related global greenhouse gas emission pathways, in the context of strengthening the global response to the threat of climate change, sustainable development, and efforts to eradicate poverty, to be finalized in October 2018; and
- Special Report on the Ocean and Cryosphere in a Changing Climate to be completed in September 2019
The IPCC also prepares methodologies to enable countries to report their emissions and removals of greenhouse gases. It is currently updating the 2006 IPCC Guidelines on National Greenhouse Gas Inventories, for completion in May 2019.
The IPCC is currently seeking nominations for authors for the three Working Group contributions to its Sixth Assessment Report, scheduled for completion in 2021. The Panel approved the outlines of the Woking Group contributions in early September at its last Session. The Sixth Assessment Report will be completed by a Synthesis Report in 2022, integrating the three Working Group contributions and three Special Reports.
NADI, Fiji, Sept 28 – From 2 to 6 October 2017 the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) will bring together around 100 experts from over 30 countries in Nadi, Fiji to begin drafting the Special Report on the Ocean and Cryosphere in a Changing Climate.
Following approval of the outline of the report in March 2017, and the subsequent selection of authors, this is the first opportunity for authors to get together and start developing the storyline of the report. They will discuss the research to be assessed in the chapters, and how the different chapters complement each other.
“This is the first time the IPCC has undertaken a focused report on the processes that drive change and the resulting impacts to oceans and the frozen parts of our planet,” said IPCC Vice-Chair Ko Barrett. “There is a huge volume of scientific information for us to assess, which can help policy makers to better understand the changes we are seeing and the risks to lives and livelihoods that may occur with future change.”
Experts at the meeting will be from the IPCC Working Group I (the physical science basis) and II (impacts, adaptation and vulnerability) communities, including scientists from the ocean and cryosphere communities. It is hosted by the Government of Fiji and The University of the South Pacific.
IPCC reports are produced in a process of repeated drafting and review. Following the meeting in Nadi, the authors will start to draft the six chapters of the report. The draft will be refined following a second meeting in February 2018, and then circulated for expert review in May 2018. The report will be finalized in September 2019.
There will be a Media Briefing from 08:00 to 08:30 on Monday 2 October at the Tanoa International Hotel and Convention Centre just before the Opening Ceremony, which is open to the media and observers from 09:00 to 10:00.
Two outreach events presenting the work of the IPCC and its findings will take place in Lautoka and Suva on 6 and 7 October hosted by the University of Fiji and The University of the South Pacific respectively.
“These events will help policymakers from the region and other stakeholders gain an understanding of climate change and how to respond to it,” said Hans-Otto Pörtner, Co-Chair of Working Group II of the IPCC. “Besides presenting our findings, I hope that these events will contribute to enhancing the involvement of developing countries in our work,” he added.
Details of the outreach events are available here:
6 October: http://ipcc.ch/apps/outreach/eventinfo.php?q=391
7 October: http://ipcc.ch/apps/outreach/eventinfo.php?q=390
For more information,and interview requests, contact:
IPCC: Jonathan Lynn, ipcc-media@wmo.int, +41 79 666 7134
Follow IPCC on Facebook, Twitter @ipcc_ch, LinkedIn and Instagram.
Notes for editors
What is the IPCC?
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) is the UN body for assessing the science related to climate change. It was established by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) in 1988 to provide political leaders with periodic scientific assessments concerning climate change, its implications and risks, as well as to put forward adaptation and mitigation strategies. It has 195 member states.
IPCC assessments provide governments, at all levels, with scientific information that they can use to develop climate policies. IPCC assessments are a key input into the international negotiations to tackle climate change. IPCC reports are drafted and reviewed in several stages, thus guaranteeing objectivity and transparency.
Comprehensive scientific assessment reports are published every 6 to 7 years; the latest, the Fifth Assessment Report, was completed in 2014. The next comprehensive assessment is scheduled to be completed in 2022. The IPCC also publishes special reports on more specific issues between assessment reports.
In addition to the Special Report on the Ocean and Cryosphere in a Changing Climate, the IPCC has agreed to prepare two other special reports during this assessment cycle:
- Global Warming of 1.5 ºC, an IPCC special report on the impacts of global warming of 1.5 ºC above pre-industrial levels and related global greenhouse gas emission pathways, in the context of strengthening the global response to the threat of climate change, sustainable development, and efforts to eradicate poverty, to be finalized in October 2018; and
- Climate Change and Land, an IPCC special report on climate change, desertification, land degradation, sustainable land management, food security, and greenhouse gas fluxes in terrestrial ecosystems, to be completed in September 2019.
The IPCC also prepares methodologies to enable countries to report their emissions and removals of greenhouse gases. It is currently updating the 2006 IPCC Guidelines on National Greenhouse Gas Inventories, for completion in May 2019.
The IPCC is currently seeking nominations for authors for the three Working Group contributions to its Sixth Assessment Report, scheduled for completion in 2021. The Panel approved the outlines of the Woking Group contributions in early September at its last Session. The Sixth Assessment Report will be completed by a Synthesis Report in 2022, integrating the three Working Group contributions and three Special Reports.
For more information visit: www.ipcc.ch
VICTORIA FALLS, Zimbabwe, Sept 28 – About 190 experts from around the world have this week met in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, to further work on the draft of the update to the guidelines that countries use to estimate greenhouse gas emissions and removals in order, among others, to bring them in line with the new requirements of the Paris Agreement.
This is the second meeting of lead authors of the 2019 Refinement to the 2006 IPCC Guidelines for National Greenhouse Gas Inventories, in short 2019 Refinement.
“It has been established that the 2006 IPCC Guidelines still provide a technically sound methodological basis of national greenhouse gas inventories; however, to maintain their scientific validity, certain refinements are required, taking into account scientific and other technical advances that have matured sufficiently since 2006. Therefore the IPCC has decided to produce a new Methodology Report to refine the 2006 IPCC Guidelines, which is titled the “2019 Refinement to the 2006 IPCC Guidelines for National Greenhouse Gas Inventories” (2019 Refinement),” said Eduardo Calvo Buendia and Kiyoto Tanabe, Co-Chairs of the IPCC’s Task Force on National Greenhouse Gas Inventories.
The meeting, organised by the Ministry of Environment, Water and climate of the government of Zimbabwe in collaboration with IPCC Task Force on National Greenhouse Gas Inventories, intensifies the work on the new Methodology Report, which will be open for review by experts from 4 December 2017 to 11 February 2018
This particular Meeting comes at a time when Zimbabwe and much of Southern Africa has been experiencing more climate-induced extremes such as the 2016/2017 rainfall season incessant rains and subsequent flooding which was worsened by Tropical Cyclone Dineo. Previously, the 2015/2016 season had a severe drought which left a third of Zimbabwe food insecure and half the SADC region in a disaster.
Extreme weather events linked to climate change are impacting other parts of the world causing floods in southern Asia, Democratic Republic of Congo as well as landslides and drought in Africa.
The massive destruction to infrastructure in these regions clearly shows that preparedness and early warning alone are not sufficient. Given that all these extremes are enhanced by climate change, I hope this work will help address the root causes of the change and bring solutions to these challenges.
The world is therefore looking forward to the results of your work to guide global mitigation actions with the aim of keeping temperatures well below 2 degrees Celsius as compared to pre-industrial levels as contained in Article 2 of the Paris Agreement. Accurate reporting of GHGs will aid to a more transparent implementation of Nationally Determined Contributions,” said Ambassador B. Chidyausiku, Permanent Secretary in the Office of the President and Cabinet and Chairperson of the High-Level Committee on Climate Change, at the opening plenary.
The new 2019 Refinement will be finalized in May 2019 and will be used in conjunction with the 2006 IPCC Guidelines. It will have an Overview Chapter and 5 volumes. The full outline of the Methodology Report approved at the 44th Session of the IPCC is available here.
For more information,and interview requests, contact:
Ms. Mercy Machona, maitmach@gmail.com
Climate Change Management Department
Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources Management
P. Bag 7753, Causeway
Harare
Zimbabwe
Tel: +263 701681/3
IPCC TFI-TSU, email: nggip-meetings@iges.or.jp
IPCC Press Office: Email, ipcc-media@wmo.int
Werani Zabula, +41 22 730 8120
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Notes for editors
What is the IPCC?
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) was created in 1988 to deliver comprehensive reviews on the scientific, technical and socio-economic state of knowledge of climate change, its causes, possible repercussions and response strategies.
Its contribution to understanding climate change has been fundamental to creating global agreements on common goals, the last of which, the Paris Agreement, aims to strengthen the global response to the threat of climate change, including by holding the increase in the global average temperature to well below 2 ºC above pre-industrial levels and pursuing efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5 ºC above pre-industrial levels, recognizing that this would significantly reduce the risks and impacts of climate change. Governments agreed to set Nationally Determined Contributions to reach this goal, which will be reviewed regularly.
In its last report, the Fifth Assessment Report, the IPCC found that anthropogenic emissions of greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide, are extremely likely to have been the dominant cause of observed warming since the mid-20th century. It found that limiting climate change would require substantial and sustained reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.
The IPCC is organised in three thematic Working Groups, and a Task Force on National Greenhouse Gas Inventories (TFI). The TFI is responsible for development of internationally-agreed methodology for countries to estimate its emissions of greenhouse gases (GHG). The latest comprehensive guidelines on such methodology produced by TFI were produced in 2006, titled the “2006 IPCC Guidelines for National Greenhouse Gas Inventories” (2006 IPCC Guidelines). The 2006 IPCC Guidelines are used by many countries in the world to estimate and report their national GHG emissions.
Sixth Assessment Cycle
At its 41st Session in February 2015, the IPCC decided to produce a Sixth Assessment Report (AR6). At its 42nd Session in October 2015 it elected a new Bureau to oversee the work on this report and Special Reports to be produced in the assessment cycle. At its 43rd Session in April 2016, it decided to produce three Special Reports, a Methodology Report and AR6.
The first of these special reports, to be finalized in October 2018, is Global Warming of 1.5ºC, an IPCC special report on the impacts of global warming of 1.5ºC above pre-industrial levels and related global greenhouse gas emission pathways, in the context of strengthening the global response to the threat of climate change, sustainable development, and efforts to eradicate poverty.
In September 2019 the IPCC will also finalize two Special Reports: the Special Report on the Ocean and Cryosphere in a Changing Climate, and Climate Change and Land: an IPCC special report on climate change, desertification, land degradation, sustainable land management, food security, and greenhouse gas fluxes in terrestrial ecosystems.
The IPCC approved the outlines of AR6 in early September 2017. The three working contributions will be released in 2021 and the Synthesis Report in April 2022 in time for the first global stocktake in 2023 by the Conference of Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
For more information including links to the IPCC reports, go to: www.ipcc.ch
GENEVA, September 21 – The last few days have seen extensive media coverage of climate science, some directly referencing the work of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). In light of this reporting, we would like to take the opportunity to clarify some aspects of our work and the unique role the IPCC plays in advancing scientific knowledge on climate change.
The IPCC’s mandate is to assess the state of the scientific literature on all aspects of climate change, its impacts and society’s options for responding to it. Whenever a new piece of scientific research is published that is relevant to any these topics, it joins the ever-growing body of evidence that the IPCC assesses. The IPCC does not conduct original research itself, or develop its own models or scenarios.
Our next major assessment report (the Sixth Assessment Report, or AR6) is due in 2021/22. Scientific understanding about the implications of a global temperature increase of 1.5ºC above pre-industrial levels is growing quickly. In early October 2018, a year from now, the IPCC will be releasing a Special Report on Global Warming of 1.5ºC, to round up all the available knowledge on this important topic.
The Special Report will also serve as an update to the IPCC’s previous comprehensive assessment (the Fifth Assessment Report, or AR5), which was published in 2013/14 before the Paris Agreement. At each stage of preparation through to completion, the Special Report will assess the fast-growing body of scientific literature relevant to 1.5ºC. Until that point, it would be inappropriate for the IPCC to comment on any single study.
At the moment, the First Order Draft of the Special Report on Global Warming of 1.5ºC is undergoing expert review until Sunday 24 September. With nearly 2,000 experts from around the world registered to take part in this process, this is a key step in ensuring our reports continue to be objective, comprehensive and balanced. All comments received will be considered in the preparation of the Second Order Draft which will be open for review by government representatives and Expert Reviewers in January and February 2018.
For more information, contact:
IPCC Press Office, Email: ipcc-media@wmo.int
Jonathan Lynn, +41 79 666 7134
Werani Zabula, +41 22 730 8120
Follow IPCC on Facebook, Twitter @ipcc_ch, LinkedIn and Instagram.
Notes for editors
What is the IPCC?
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change is the United Nations body for assessing the science related to climate change. It was established by the United Nations Environment Programme and the World Meteorological Organization in 1988 to provide policymakers with regular scientific assessments concerning climate change, its implications and risks, as well as to put forward adaptation and mitigation strategies. It has 195 member states.
IPCC assessments provide governments, at all levels, with scientific information they can use to develop climate policies. IPCC assessments are a key input into the international negotiations to tackle climate change. IPCC reports are drafted and reviewed in several stages, thus guaranteeing objectivity and transparency.
The IPCC assesses the thousands of scientific papers published each year to tell policymakers what we know and don’t know about the risks related to climate change. The IPCC identifies where there is agreement in the scientific community, where there are differences of opinion, and where further research is needed. It does not conduct its own research.
To produce its reports, the IPCC mobilizes hundreds of scientists. These scientists and officials are drawn from diverse backgrounds. Only a dozen permanent staff work in the IPCC’s Secretariat.
The IPCC has three working groups: Working Group I, dealing with the physical science basis of climate change; Working Group II, dealing with impacts, adaptation and vulnerability; and Working Group III, dealing with the mitigation of climate change. It also has a Task Force on National Greenhouse Gas Inventories that develops methodologies for measuring emissions and removals.
IPCC Assessment Reports consist of contributions from each of the three working groups and a Synthesis Report. Special Reports undertake an assessment of cross-disciplinary issues that span more than one working group and are shorter and more focused than the main assessments.
Sixth Assessment Cycle
At its 41st Session in February 2015, the IPCC decided to produce a Sixth Assessment Report (AR6). At its 43rd Session in April 2016, it decided to produce three Special Reports, a Methodology Report and AR6.
The first of these special reports, to be finalized in October 2018, is Global Warming of 1.5ºC, an IPCC special report on the impacts of global warming of 1.5ºC above pre-industrial levels and related global greenhouse gas emission pathways, in the context of strengthening the global response to the threat of climate change, sustainable development, and efforts to eradicate poverty.
The Methodology Report, entitled 2019 Refinement to the 2006 IPCC Guidelines for National Greenhouse Gas Inventories, will be delivered in May 2019.
In September 2019 the IPCC will also finalize two Special Reports: the Special Report on the Ocean and Cryosphere in a Changing Climate, and Climate Change and Land: an IPCC special report on climate change, desertification, land degradation, sustainable land management, food security, and greenhouse gas fluxes in terrestrial ecosystems.
The IPCC approved the outlines of AR6 in early September 2017. The three working contributions will be released in 2021 and the Synthesis Report in April 2022 in time for the first global stocktake in 2023 by the Conference of Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) when countries will review progress under the Paris Agreement towards their goal of keeping global warming to well below 2°C while pursuing efforts to limit it to 1.5°C.
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Sept 19 – The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the UN body for assessing the science related to climate change, is presenting its findings with a focus on Saudi Arabia and the Gulf region at a regional outreach event in Riyadh on 19-20 September 2017.
It is also presenting its work programme for the Sixth Assessment Report (AR6) cycle at the event hosted by the King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology. The event will be opened by Prince Turki bin Saud bin Mohammed Al Saud, KACST President and Hoesung Lee, Chair of the IPCC. Press conference will take place at 11.30 am on 19 September at KACST.
IPCC Bureau members and authors are participating in workshops as part of the two-day outreach event, attended by policymakers, practitioners, scientists, civil society, business and media representatives from Saudi Arabia and the region.
The event will raise awareness about the latest IPCC report, the Fifth Assessment Report (AR5), completed in 2014, which was a crucial input to the Paris Agreement on climate change reached in December 2015.
“The region is vulnerable to climate change but various adaptation and mitigation options exist to make society more resilient and create opportunities for a sustainable future,” said Hans-Otto Pörtner, Co-Chair of Working Group II of the IPCC. “This timely conference will provide valuable guidance to policymakers and practitioners on addressing the challenges of climate change.”
Scientists are also presenting the outlines for the next comprehensive scientific assessment of climate change, the IPCC Sixth Assessment Report (AR6), which were approved by the IPCC’s 195 member governments at the latest session of the Panel that took place in Montreal, Canada, on 6-10 September.
“Climate change is a highly important issue for Saudi Arabia. KACST currently coordinates research efforts to address climate change challenges, such as greenhouse gases emission including carbon dioxide capture and utilization, energy efficiency and renewable energy,” said Prince Turki bin Saud bin Mohammed Al Saud, the President of KACST. “This event will be an opportunity for researchers to engage with the international community and enhance the dialogue on future efforts to combat climate change.”
IPCC Chair Hoesung Lee said that policymakers in the region could draw on IPCC assessments to achieve sustainable development pathways.
“We would like to see the research community in Saudi Arabia and other developing countries tackle various issues identified by the outlines of the AR6 and provide us with scientific literature that can feed into the new and future assessments,” Lee added.
For more information, contact:
Webpages of the event: http://bit.ly/2h90678 and http://bit.ly/2wiYTob
IPCC Press Office, Email: ipcc-media@wmo.int
Nina Peeva, +41 22 730 8142
Follow IPCC on Facebook, Twitter @ipcc_ch, LinkedIn and Instagram.
Notes for editors
What is the IPCC?
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) is the world body for assessing the science related to climate change. It was set up by the World Meteorological Organization and United Nations Environment Programme in 1988 to provide policymakers with regular assessments of the scientific basis of climate change, its impacts and risks, and options for adaptation and mitigation.
IPCC assessments provide governments at all levels with scientific information they can use to develop climate policies. IPCC assessments are a key input into the international negotiations to tackle climate change. IPCC reports are drafted and reviewed in several stages to guarantee objectivity and transparency.
The IPCC assesses the thousands of scientific papers published each year to tell policymakers what we know and don’t know about the risks related to climate change. The IPCC identifies where there is agreement in the scientific community, where there are differences of opinion, and where further research is needed. It does not conduct its own research.
To produce its reports, the IPCC mobilizes hundreds of scientists. These scientists and officials are drawn from diverse backgrounds. Only a dozen permanent staff work in the IPCC’s Secretariat.
The members of the Panel are its 195 member governments. They work by consensus to endorse the reports of the IPCC and set its procedures and budget in plenary meetings of the Panel.
The IPCC has three working groups: Working Group I, dealing with the physical science basis of climate change; Working Group II, dealing with impacts, adaptation and vulnerability; and Working Group III, dealing with the mitigation of climate change. It also has a Task Force on National Greenhouse Gas Inventories that develops methodologies for measuring emissions and removals.
IPCC Assessment Reports consist of contributions from each of the three working groups and a Synthesis Report. Special Reports undertake an assessment of cross-disciplinary issues that span more than one working group and are shorter and more focused than the main assessments.
Sixth Assessment Cycle
At its 41st Session in February 2015, the IPCC decided to produce a Sixth Assessment Report (AR6). At its 43rd Session in April 2016, it decided to produce three Special Reports, a Methodology Report to update guidelines on national greenhouse gas inventories, and AR6.
The first of these special reports, to be finalized in October 2018, is Global Warming of 1.5ºC, an IPCC special report on the impacts of global warming of 1.5ºC above pre-industrial levels and related global greenhouse gas emission pathways, in the context of strengthening the global response to the threat of climate change, sustainable development, and efforts to eradicate poverty.
The Methodology Report, entitled 2019 Refinement to the 2006 IPCC Guidelines for National Greenhouse Gas Inventories, will be delivered in May 2019.
In September 2019 the IPCC will also finalize two Special Reports: the Special Report on the Ocean and Cryosphere in a Changing Climate, and Climate Change and Land: an IPCC special report on climate change, desertification, land degradation, sustainable land management, food security, and greenhouse gas fluxes in terrestrial ecosystems.
The three working group contributions to AR6 will be released in 2021, and the Synthesis Report in April 2022.
