Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change

Definition

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) is a scientific body established by the United Nations that assesses the knowledge on climate change, its impacts, and potential adaptation and mitigation strategies. It serves as a key player in global environmental governance, providing policymakers with regular assessments of climate science to inform decision-making related to sustainable development and climate action.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The IPCC was established in 1988 and has released several assessment reports that synthesize scientific research on climate change.
2. It involves thousands of scientists from around the world who contribute voluntarily to the assessment process and review existing literature on climate science.
3. The reports produced by the IPCC are critical for informing international negotiations on climate agreements like the Paris Agreement.
4. The IPCC operates under a strict set of rules designed to ensure objectivity and neutrality in its assessments, making it a trusted source for policymakers.
5. The work of the IPCC emphasizes the importance of urgent action to limit global warming to below 1.5 degrees Celsius to mitigate severe environmental impacts.

Review Questions

• How does the IPCC contribute to global efforts in addressing climate change?
  • The IPCC plays a crucial role in global efforts to tackle climate change by providing comprehensive assessments of climate science. Its reports summarize current knowledge about climate change impacts, risks, and potential solutions, which serve as essential resources for governments and organizations worldwide. By facilitating informed decision-making, the IPCC helps shape policies aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to climate impacts.
• Discuss the significance of the IPCC's findings for sustainable development policies.
  • The findings of the IPCC are significant for sustainable development policies because they highlight the interconnectedness of climate change and various socio-economic issues. The IPCC's reports provide evidence that climate change can hinder progress toward achieving Sustainable Development Goals by exacerbating poverty, food insecurity, and health risks. Policymakers use these insights to integrate climate considerations into development strategies and promote resilient growth.
• Evaluate how the IPCC's role in global environmental governance influences international climate agreements.
  • The IPCC's role in global environmental governance is pivotal in shaping international climate agreements. By providing rigorous scientific evidence on climate change and its implications, the IPCC informs negotiations at forums like COP meetings. The credibility of its assessments encourages nations to commit to more ambitious targets, as seen in the Paris Agreement, where countries pledged to limit global warming. Consequently, the IPCC not only influences policy decisions but also drives accountability among signatory nations regarding their climate commitments.

Related terms

Climate Change: A long-term alteration in temperature and typical weather patterns in a place, largely driven by human activities such as burning fossil fuels.

Sustainable Development Goals:

A set of 17 interlinked global goals established by the United Nations in 2015 to address various global challenges, including poverty, inequality, and climate change.

Greenhouse Gases: Gases that trap heat in the atmosphere, contributing to the greenhouse effect; key examples include carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide.