Navigating the Complexities of Climate Science and Policy: Key Decisions and Outcomes from the 60th IPCC Session
A Marathon Final Session and Key Questions
The 60th session of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) concluded with a marathon 26-hour final session, underscoring the urgency and intricate nature of global climate discussions. The opening session of the IPCC’s 7th assessment (AR7) aimed to address four key questions, but many were postponed as delegates engaged in intense debates about report structures, topics, and timelines.
Intense Negotiations and Timeline Discussions
A week-long debate ensued over the timeline for the main assessment reports. Some countries advocated for a shortened cycle to produce comprehensive reports in time for the UNFCCC’s 2028 Second Global Stocktake (GST). However, a 2028 timeline was deemed unachievable or undesirable by some delegates. After arduous negotiations, a consensus was reached to retain the existing structure of the core IPCC reports, including three working group reports and a synthesis report. The release date for the working group reports was deferred to a subsequent meeting, while the synthesis report is scheduled for late 2029.
Special Reports and Expert Gatherings
The panel confirmed the inclusion of a special report on climate change and cities, with a scoping meeting planned for later in 2024. A methodology report on short-lived climate forcers, like methane, is also slated for release in early 2027. These reports will guide policy decisions in specific yet critical areas of climate change. Additionally, an expert meeting on carbon dioxide removal technologies will lead to another methodology report by the end of 2027.
Importance of Diverse Voices and Inclusivity
The panel recognized the significance of formal IPCC expert meetings and workshops for in-depth discussions on emerging topics. Proposals for additional expert gatherings are likely at the next meeting. Furthermore, a distinct product will revise and update the 1994 IPCC technical guidelines on impacts and adaptation, emphasizing updated adaptation indicators and methodologies. The timeline for this report is linked to the larger working group report on adaptation and vulnerability.
Balancing Science and Policy Timelines
The timing of the working group reports dominated the discussions. The challenge lies in aligning the IPCC’s historic six- or seven-year report cycle with the five-year intervals of the GST under the Paris Agreement. While many nations favored aligning the processes to ensure robust scientific reviews for policymakers, a few countries resisted the 2028 timeline. The final decision will be made this summer, but delays could jeopardize meeting the 2028 deadline.
A Call for Timely and Policy-Relevant Science
The decisions made at the meeting set the stage for a more responsive and relevant IPCC. The fight against climate change requires not only robust science but also timely and relevant information for decision-makers. Aligning science with policy timelines is crucial, and scientists have assured that this can be done without compromising scientific rigor. Timely IPCC reports can enhance the relevance and impact of scientific work.
Conclusion: A Nuanced Approach
The path forward necessitates a nuanced understanding that science, while independent, must resonate with the needs and urgencies of policymakers. The international scientific community should adapt to meet calls from decision-makers. In this crucial decade, as the world strives to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement, the aim is to ensure that climate science is not only rigorous but also resonant, accurate, and actionable.