What are IPCC’s assessment reports?
Context:
The UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has been producing assessment reports since 1988.
Relevance:
GS-03 (Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Conservation)
Prelims:
IPCC, Climate Change, Global Warming, GHG, CCH, Maladaptation
Mains Question:
Discuss the significance of the recent IPCC Sixth Assessment Report (AR6) and the initiation of the seventh cycle (AR7) in addressing climate change challenges. (250 words)
Key Highlights:
- The Sixth Assessment Report (AR6) emphasized the urgent need to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
- The IPCC initiated its seventh cycle (AR7) after the AR6 synthesis report, with a focus on budgeting and report timelines.
- A global stocktake (GST) is conducted every five years to assess progress towards the goals of the Paris Agreement.
- The AR7 cycle will include full assessment and synthesis reports, methodology reports, and a special report on climate change and cities.
Dimensions of the Article:
- Understanding IPCC Reports
- Initiation of the Seventh Cycle
- Global Stocktake and IPCC’s Role
- Focus Areas for the AR7 Cycle
- Challenges and Considerations
Understanding IPCC Reports
- Since 1988, the IPCC has been publishing assessment reports to examine various aspects of climate change. These reports, prepared by scientists from around the world, provide valuable insights into the science, consequences, adaptation, and mitigation of climate change.
- The recent Sixth Assessment Report (AR6) sounded a warning about the urgent need to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius to avoid irreversible damage to the planet.
Initiation of the Seventh Cycle
- Following the AR6 synthesis report, the IPCC began its seventh cycle (AR7) with discussions on budgeting and report timelines.
- Members convened in Turkey to outline the work program and address key issues raised during the previous cycle.
- A paper consolidating learnings from the AR6 cycle and submissions from member countries informed these discussions, emphasizing the need for adequate input for the upcoming global stocktake in 2028.
Global Stocktake and IPCC’s Role
- The global stocktake (GST) is a mechanism used to assess progress towards the goals of the Paris Agreement. Conducted every five years, the GST evaluates collective efforts to address climate change, identifies gaps, and guides future climate action.
- The IPCC plays a crucial role in providing scientific input for the GST, ensuring that countries have the necessary information to measure their progress.
Focus Areas for the AR7 Cycle
- In Turkey, the IPCC bureau agreed to produce full assessment and synthesis reports, methodology reports, and a special report on climate change and cities for the AR7 cycle.
- The decision to include reports from three working groups and a synthesis report was made considering various factors such as available time, engagement with communities, and stress on technical support units and authors.
Challenges and Considerations
- Member countries raised concerns about the timeline for publishing assessment reports, highlighting the need for sufficient time to review, finalize, and publish approved texts. The bureau also considered potential challenges such as incomplete research and modeling efforts, as well as difficulties in engaging with under-represented countries.
- A decision on the timeline for assessment reports is pending and will be made at the 61st session of the IPCC.
Way Forward and Conclusion:
The initiation of the AR7 cycle marks a critical step in addressing climate change challenges. As countries strive to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement, scientific input from the IPCC becomes increasingly important. By producing comprehensive assessment reports and special reports, the IPCC can provide valuable guidance for policymakers and stakeholders worldwide.
