# IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change)

Category: The A-Z Of Sustainability

## Short Summary
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) is the United Nations body responsible for assessing the science of climate change. Established in 1988, it provides policymakers with comprehensive evaluations of climate science, impacts, risks, and response strategies based on peer-reviewed research.

## Full Definition
What is the IPCC? The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change is the world's leading authority on climate science. Created jointly by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the IPCC synthesizes research from thousands of scientists worldwide to provide objective, policy-relevant assessments of climate change. Importantly, the IPCC does not conduct its own research or monitor climate data. Instead, it systematically reviews and assesses published scientific literature, providing comprehensive summaries of current knowledge on climate change causes, impacts, and potential solutions. This assessment process involves hundreds of volunteer scientists and undergoes rigorous peer review. IPCC Structure and Working Groups The IPCC operates through three Working Groups, each focusing on different aspects of climate change: Working Group I - Assesses the physical science basis of climate change, including observed changes, causes, and future projections. Working Group II - Evaluates impacts, adaptation, and vulnerability across ecosystems, sectors, and regions. Working Group III - Examines mitigation strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and limit climate change. Additionally, the Task Force on National Greenhouse Gas Inventories develops methodologies for countries to calculate and report their emissions. Assessment Reports The IPCC produces comprehensive Assessment Reports approximately every 6-8 years, representing the most authoritative summaries of climate science available. These multi-thousand-page reports synthesize tens of thousands of peer-reviewed studies: First Assessment Report (1990) - Confirmed that human activities were increasing greenhouse gas concentrations Second Assessment Report (1995) - Stated "the balance of evidence suggests a discernible human influence on global climate" Third Assessment Report (2001) - Found stronger evidence of human influence Fourth Assessment Report (2007) - Concluded warming is "unequivocal" and human influence is "very likely" Fifth Assessment Report (2013-2014) - Increased confidence that humans are the dominant cause of observed warming Sixth Assessment Report (2021-2023) - Stated unequivocally that human influence has warmed the climate and warned of rapidly closing window for action The IPCC also produces Special Reports on specific topics, such as the landmark 2018 report on limiting warming to 1.5°C. Key Findings and Impact IPCC assessments have established scientific consensus that human activities, particularly fossil fuel combustion and deforestation, are unequivocally causing climate change. They have quantified warming levels, projected future scenarios, documented observed impacts on ecosystems and societies, and identified pathways to limit dangerous warming. These findings provide the scientific foundation for international climate agreements including the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, the Kyoto Protocol, and the Paris Agreement. IPCC reports inform national climate policies, corporate sustainability strategies, and public understanding of climate risks. For their work, the IPCC was awarded the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize alongside Al Gore. Relevance for Business and Policy Organizations use IPCC findings to understand climate risks to operations and supply chains, set science-based emission reduction targets, assess physical climate risks for investments and assets, develop adaptation strategies, and communicate credibly about climate action. Policymakers rely on IPCC assessments to design regulations, set national targets, negotiate international agreements, and allocate resources for climate action. The IPCC's rigorous, consensus-based approach provides trusted information in an area often subject to misinformation and political debate.

---
Source: Alectro Sustainability Glossary
URL: https://alectro.io/glossary/ipcc
Last Updated: 2025-11-12