The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) is a scientific body established by the United Nations in 1988 to provide policymakers with regular assessments of the scientific basis of climate change, its impacts, and future risks, as well as options for adaptation and mitigation. The IPCC has released five assessment reports since its inception, with the sixth assessment cycle currently underway. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide to the complete IPCC sixth assessment cycle by Carbon Brief.
The IPCC sixth assessment cycle consists of three working group reports and a synthesis report. The first working group report, titled “Climate Change 2021: The Physical Science Basis,” was released in August 2021. This report provides an updated assessment of the physical science basis of climate change, including observations of past and present climate change, future projections, and the role of human activities in driving climate change. The report concludes that human activities, particularly the burning of fossil fuels, are unequivocally causing global warming and that urgent action is needed to limit further warming.
The second working group report, titled “Climate Change 2022: Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability,” is scheduled to be released in February 2022. This report will assess the impacts of climate change on natural and human systems, including ecosystems, food security, water resources, and human health. It will also evaluate options for adaptation and the effectiveness of adaptation measures.
The third working group report, titled “Climate Change 2022: Mitigation of Climate Change,” is scheduled to be released in March 2022. This report will assess the options for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and limiting global warming to below 2°C or 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. It will also evaluate the potential co-benefits and trade-offs of different mitigation options.
The synthesis report, which will integrate the findings of the three working group reports, is scheduled to be released in September 2022. This report will provide policymakers with a comprehensive assessment of the state of knowledge on climate change, its impacts, and options for adaptation and mitigation.
The IPCC sixth assessment cycle involves the participation of thousands of scientists from around the world. The reports are based on a rigorous review process, with multiple rounds of review by experts and governments. The IPCC also engages with stakeholders, including policymakers, civil society organizations, and the private sector, to ensure that the assessments are relevant and useful.
The IPCC sixth assessment cycle comes at a critical time for global efforts to address climate change. The Paris Agreement, adopted in 2015, aims to limit global warming to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels and pursue efforts to limit warming to 1.5°C. However, current emissions trajectories are far from consistent with these goals, and urgent action is needed to reduce emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change.
In conclusion, the IPCC sixth assessment cycle is a comprehensive effort to provide policymakers with the latest scientific knowledge on climate change, its impacts, and options for adaptation and mitigation. The three working group reports and synthesis report will provide a thorough assessment of the state of knowledge on climate change and inform global efforts to address this critical issue. It is essential that policymakers use this information to take urgent action to reduce emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change.
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