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The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) is an intergovernmental body of the United Nations that assesses the science related to climate change. It was established in 1988 by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) to provide governments with regular scientific assessments on climate change, its impacts and future risks, and options for adaptation and mitigation
IPCC Full Form?
| Established by | World Meteorological Organization and United Nations Environment Programme in 1988 |
| Purpose | Advances scientific knowledge on human-induced climate change |
| Headquarters | Geneva, Switzerland |
| Membership | 195 member states |
| Significant Achievements | Shared the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize with Al Gore; Influential in the 2015 Paris Agreement |
| Reports | Produces Assessment Reports reviewed by thousands of scientists |
| Current Cycle | Began the seventh assessment cycle in 2023 |
History:
The IPCC was established in 1988 by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). It was created in response to growing concerns about global warming and its potential impacts on the environment and society.
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) is an intergovernmental body of the United Nations that assesses the science related to climate change. It was established in 1988 by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) to provide governments with regular scientific assessments on climate change, its impacts and future risks, and options for adaptation and mitigation[1][3][4].
Structure
The IPCC has the following structure[1][3][4]:
- IPCC Panel: Meets in plenary session about twice a year to control the IPCC’s structure, procedures, work programme and budget, and to accept and approve IPCC reports.
- Chair: Elected by the Panel to chair the Bureau and represent the organization.
- Bureau: Elected by the Panel to provide leadership for the IPCC’s three Working Groups and Task Force.
- Working Groups:
- Working Group I: Assesses the physical science basis of climate change.
- Working Group II: Assesses climate change impacts, adaptation and vulnerability.
- Working Group III: Assesses options for mitigating climate change.
- Task Force on National Greenhouse Gas Inventories: Develops methodologies for estimating greenhouse gas emissions.
- Executive Committee: Consists of the Chair, Vice-Chairs and Co-Chairs to address urgent issues between Panel sessions.
- Secretariat: Administers activities, supports the Chair and Bureau, and serves as the point of contact for governments.
Activities
The IPCC does not conduct its own research, but reviews and assesses the latest scientific information on climate change. It has 195 member countries and thousands of scientists volunteer as authors for its comprehensive assessment reports which are a key input into international climate change negotiations.
The IPCC aims to be objective and comprehensive in its assessments. Experts from around the world review the publications and compile key findings into “Assessment Reports” for policymakers and the general public. The IPCC also produces special reports on specific issues and methodology reports providing practical guidelines.
The IPCC’s work is guided by principles and procedures that govern all main activities[4]. It plays a key role in the annual climate negotiations held by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and was an important influence on the Paris Agreement in 2015. The IPCC shared the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize with Al Gore for contributions to the understanding of climate change.
What are the main responsibilities of the IPCC’s Working Groups
The main responsibilities of the IPCC’s Working Groups are:
Working Group I: Assesses the physical science basis of climate change. This includes evaluating changes in greenhouse gases and aerosols, observed changes in air, land and ocean temperatures, rainfall, glaciers and ice sheets, oceans and sea level, as well as the historical and paleoclimatic perspective on climate change. It also covers biogeochemistry, the carbon cycle, climate models, and climate projections and attribution.
Working Group II: Assesses the vulnerability of socio-economic and natural systems to climate change, the negative and positive consequences of climate change, and options for adapting to it. It considers the interrelationship between vulnerability, adaptation and sustainable development across different sectors (water, ecosystems, food, forests, coastal systems, industry, health) and regions (Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, etc.).
Working Group III: Assesses options for mitigating climate change through limiting or preventing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing activities that remove them from the atmosphere. It analyzes the costs and benefits of different mitigation approaches and available policy instruments across economic sectors like energy, transport, buildings, industry, agriculture, forestry, and waste management.
The IPCC also has a Task Force on National Greenhouse Gas Inventories that develops methodologies for countries to measure and report their greenhouse gas emissions and removals.
FAQs
No, IPCC is not a certification program. It is an international scientific organization that assesses and provides information on climate change.
IPCC itself cannot be pursued as a course. However, you can pursue higher education and research in fields related to climate change to contribute to the work of IPCC.
To get involved in the work of IPCC, you can pursue a career in climate science, environmental studies, or related fields. You can also engage in research, collaborate with IPCC experts, or attend IPCC meetings and conferences.
No, the IPCC itself does not provide funding for research. However, it collaborates with various funding agencies and research institutions to support scientific studies related to climate change.
The IPCC regularly publishes reports and assessments on its official website. You can visit the website, subscribe to their newsletters, and follow their social media channels to stay updated with the latest information.
