Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)
Established in 1988, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) assesses scientific information on climate change, its impacts, and potential adaptation and mitigation strategies.
The role of the IPCC is to evaluate the scientific, technical, and socioeconomic information relevant to the understanding of the risk of human-induced climate change.
IPCC on climate change
According to the IPCC the term climate change refers to long-term shifts in the climate, identified through statistical analysis of changes in the average state or variability of climate properties, lasting for decades or longer. These changes can result from natural internal processes or external factors, such as variations in solar cycles, volcanic activity, or persistent human-induced changes in atmospheric composition and land use.
The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), using the IPCC’s scientific reports to guide its decision-making, defines climate change as a shift in climate directly or indirectly caused by human activities that modify the global atmosphere, beyond natural climate variability observed over comparable timeframes.
This distinction separates human-driven climate change from naturally occurring climate fluctuations.
IPCC reports
One of the IPCC’s most significant contributions is its series of assessment reports, which are published every five to seven years. These reports provide comprehensive evaluations of the current state of climate science, the impacts of climate change, and potential strategies for mitigation and adaptation.
IPCC Fifth Assessment Report (AR5)
The IPCC’s Fifth Assessment Report (AR5, 2014) made it clear that the warming of the climate system is indisputable and attributed much of the observed increase in global average temperatures to human activities. It warned that “the more human activities disrupt the climate, the greater the risks of severe, pervasive and irreversible impacts for people and ecosystems, and long-lasting changes in all components of the climate system.”
In addition, AR5 brought critical attention to global sea level rise, extreme weather events linked to climate change, carbon budgets to limit emissions, and the urgent need for mitigation and adaptation measures.
IPCC Sixth Assessment Report (AR6)
The IPCC’s Sixth Assessment Report was published in 2021-2023 and builds on key findings from the previous report while also highlighting climate justice and equity: climate change disproportionately affects vulnerable populations and developing nations, exacerbating inequalities and posing challenges to food security, health, and livelihoods.
The IPCC’s Seventh Assessment Report is expected to be published between 2027 and 2029.
IPCC and policymakers
The IPCC and UNFCCC are closely connected, with the IPCC providing the scientific foundation that informs UNFCCC negotiations and climate policies. The IPCC delivers crucial insights on climate change, which guide international agreements such as the Paris Agreement.
The UNFCCC relies on these findings to set global targets, including the goal of limiting warming to 2°C. Many experts and government representatives contribute to both organisations, ensuring that scientific research is effectively integrated into climate policy discussions and decision-making.
From IPCC reports to climate action
The IPCC’s findings underscore the urgent need for immediate climate action, particularly in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to climate impacts. Governments, businesses, and individuals all play a role in addressing these challenges.
Companies, in particular, can make a significant impact by implementing science-based strategies to measure and reduce their carbon footprint. Additionally, they can further contribute by investing in climate projects to reduce emissions beyond their value chain.
ClimatePartner helps businesses calculate and reduce their carbon emissions, which aligns with the IPCC's objectives of mitigating climate change and promoting sustainable practices.
Find out more about how you can take science-based climate action today.