IPCC: definition

The IPCC, or the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change serves as the United Nations' vessel to evaluate science that explains climate change. The IPCC is an independent organization, and works to publish assessment reports by a wide-variety of authors and experts to help other companies and governments create regulations based on scientific evidence.

Established back in 1988 by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the IPCC does not conduct its own research – but instead recruits help from various peer-reviewed and scientific studies around the world to provide one, comprehensive resource for governments, organizations, and more. 

Ultimately, the IPCC’s main goal is to provide objective and informative assessments on the latest climate science to allow governments, businesses, and organizations to make informed decisions and develop appropriate policies or business strategies. Serving as an independent operation, the IPCC is made up of thousands of scientists, experts, and reviewers globally in order to provide a wide range of diverse perspectives and robust evidence on the current effects of climate change.

Key activities of the IPCC include:

• Assessment Reports (ARs) which include comprehensive evaluations of climate science, typically published every 6 or 7 years. These reports revealed observed changes, projected impacts, and strategies for mitigation and adaptation.
• Special Reports which include focused studies on specific topics such as the development of renewable energy, excessive land use, or the negative impact of 1.5°C warming.
• Methodology Reports which include guidelines for calculating and reporting greenhouse gas emissions.

The IPCC Sixth Assessment Report (AR6), released in 2023, shared that it is extremely probable that human activities are the main cause for the visible increase in global temperatures, and proceeded to outline pathways to limit warming to 1.5°C or 2°C, as set by the Paris Agreement.

Overall, scientific findings from the IPCC work to directly inform those responsible for international climate negotiations, national policies, corporate sustainability strategies, and educating the public to better understand climate risks.

FAQ

Is the IPCC biased?

The IPCC is not biased, as it is designed to be a neutral and evidence-based source of information – heavily relying on peer-reviewed research and it even requires an extensive review process involving hundreds of experts.

Who writes IPCC reports?

IPCC reports are written by thousands of volunteer scientists and technical experts from around the world, specifically chosen for their expertise.

How often does the IPCC publish reports?

The IPCC publishes major assessment reports even 6 to 7 years, with occasional special reports released in between this time period.

Does the IPCC make policy recommendations?

No, the IPCC doesn’t provide specific policy recommendations – but rather seeks to educate readers with its scientific findings to allow for better decision making in the future.