Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, also known as the IPCC, is an intergovernmental body that was established in 1988 under the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP). It is a worldwide body that brings scientists, policymakers, researchers and others together to discuss and find solutions to climate change. The IPCC's goal, is to educate the globe about climate change and propose possible solutions.
The Panel is non-partisan and is made up representatives elected by governments. These government representatives pick qualified scientists to represent their interests at IPCC meetings. Representatives also recruit experts and prepare reports. The Panel can also be populated by government scientists. This does NOT necessarily mean that the government endorses the views expressed by a scientist.
IPCC's structure consists of three groups that are focused on different aspects. One group works on the physical sciences, and the other two work on adaptation/mitigation. Each Co-Chair leads one of the working groups. Both Cochairs are also members the IPCC Bureau. They provide advice to the chair regarding the selection of authors as well as the preparations for meetings.
The Working Group I is the first group. It focuses on climate change and its effects. Its members include the Met Office Hadley Centre, one of the world's leading climate research centres.
The Working Group II evaluates the impacts of climate change on humans and ecosystems and recommends mitigation measures. Its members include Australia's Government, which oversees the DFAT Trust Fund. This fund contributes to IPCC decision making.
The third working group, the Working Group III, examines mitigation options and considers the impacts of climate change on the economic and social dimensions. Its members include the World Bank, United States Agency for International Development, and other organizations.
The IPCC reports are produced by volunteer groups that include hundreds of scientists from all over the world. They assess scientific literature and make recommendations that are based on current research. An IPCC assessment report is a comprehensive review of current climate change knowledge. A report can also be published in four parts.
Summary for Policymakers (or the summary) is an overview of the complete IPCC report. This report is often most relevant to journalists and the general population. The IPCC reports can be accessed by everyone and are reviewed regularly by many experts. The IPCC worked with communication professionals and practitioners for the Fifth Assessment Report.
IPCC held an Expert Meeting on Communication on February 16, 2016. The IPCC made a variety of recommendations to improve communication. Some of these ideas were integrated into the IPCC's outreach activities as well as the IPCC site.
In September 2019, IPCC issued the Special Report On Ocean and Cryosphere in A Changing Climate. The IPCC is currently preparing to release the Sixth Assessment Report (AR6). This comprehensive review of climate change knowledge will be released in September 2019. Like previous assessment reports, it will be released in parts.
FAQ
How will climate change impact the world's oceans?
What are the effects of climate change on oceans and marine life around the globe?
Since its inception climate change has significantly affected the world's oceans as well as the marine life associated with them. The depletion of the ozone layer, which causes constant oceanic warming, has caused major disruptions to marine ecosystems. This has led to coral bleaching and a decline in species.
Climate change may also be responsible for extreme sea level rises and more unpredictable weather conditions, which can prove to be fatal to coastal areas. Also, rising temperatures can reduce the oxygen levels in the water system, leading to "deadzones" that are areas with less marine life.
Ocean acidification is also caused by carbon dioxide that is released into the air and then accumulates in the seas. Ocean acidification causes an increase in pH which affects the vital functions of animals such as crabs, clams, and oysters that cannot adapt to changing conditions.
Higher temperatures can alter the natural habitats of certain species by changing their locations or shrinking them, making them uninhabitable. An increase in ocean pressure can cause a drastic imbalance between predators & prey and lead to the extinction of many species.
The effects of climate change ripple throughout entire ecosystems influencing multiple species whether directly or indirectly through evaporation lowering water volumes or sharp temperature shifts jeopardizing any sustainable development for fisheries and other maritime activities. Global climate change continues to wipe out entire species of life on Earth, transforming our future lives not only on the land but also deep below the oceans' surface.
What are the roles of individuals and communities when it comes to addressing climate change?
Climate change is one the most pressing contemporary issues we are facing today. This is a problem that affects everyone. We must all pay attention to it and take action individually to make a difference.
Individuals can play an important role in addressing climate change. It is possible to make small changes in your everyday life such as reducing waste or consuming more conscious, switching to vegetarianism, eating less meat, taking public transportation more often, and using more sustainable fabrics for clothing and home decor. Additionally, they can take part in political advocacy and promote initiatives in their communities that foster sustainability.
Community involvement is key in addressing climate changes on a larger scale. They can implement policies that limit emissions by reformulating energy models based on renewable sources, promoting efficient infrastructure for cycling or electric transportation, reducing deforestation rates, or encouraging composting systems for waste management. Collaboration between different communities across cities and countries is fundamental for achieving success in this mission.
Civic education regarding climate change is essential from the beginning of education and throughout the lifelong learning process. This will help individuals become aware of the issues at stake and understand our interconnectedness with other societies further away from our geographical location but similarly affected by global warming
Employers ultimately have a major role in fighting climate change. Implementing corporate practices that focus on sustainability and opting to use green alternatives whenever possible will yield both sociologically and economically positive results.
The collective efforts of individuals, communities and businesses will all play a significant role in addressing global warming and defending humanity from the long-term effects of climate change.
How are developing countries and communities affected by climate change?
Due to their limited access to healthcare and technology, developing countries and communities are especially vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Changes in temperature and precipitation can put more pressure on already limited resources. This is accompanied by flooding and droughts that weaken already fragile ecosystems. Rising temperatures can result in a reduction in crop yields. This will be disproportionately detrimental to poorer communities who are facing food insecurity. Extreme weather events like hurricanes or heatwaves can also cause destruction to infrastructure, causing further economic inequality.
The long-term implications of climate change include continued resource scarcity, poverty, and health impacts including an increased number of vector-borne diseases such as malaria or dengue fever. In addition, there will be a higher risk of flooding due to rising sea levels coupled with extreme weather events putting lives at risk in coastal areas where populations often lack the adequate infrastructure or emergency services needed for evacuation. Not only does it require reducing greenhouse gas emissions, but other measures like better management and access to medical facilities. This will help with the prevention of diseases like Malaria.
What are the most effective solutions for climate change?
Climate change is one of the most pressing issues of our times, requiring urgent attention from governments, businesses, and citizens alike. Climate disruption is obvious by rising temperatures, melting polar ice, extreme weather, higher sea levels and increasing sea levels. Many solutions have been offered to this problem, ranging from technological and behavioral solutions to geoengineering.
Technological solutions: A wide range of technologies have been used to address climate change. These include renewable energy sources like solar power and wind power that provide reliable sources for clean energy while causing minimal harm to the environment. By replacing petrol cars, electric cars that are powered by renewable energy can significantly reduce the amount of air pollution in cities. Other technological solutions include reforestation programs that increase carbon sequestration in soil and trees, as well as coastal protection system to protect vulnerable locations from rising sea levels.
Behavioral Changes: By making simple alterations to established routines can make a big difference in reducing emissions and limiting future climate disruption. For example, purchasing locally produced goods with shorter supply chains reduces emissions associated with transport costs for food. Public or active transportation can optimize the use of resources, reduce cost and pollution simultaneously. Similarly, more efficient insulation in homes can decrease dependence on gas boilers to heat homes. This will also help lower bills.
Geo-engineering: Geoengineering involves large scale interventions in natural systems. It is risky due potential unforeseen consequences.
The effectiveness of these solutions depends on how committed producers are to investing in green alternatives. At the moment, electric Cars can be more expensive than petrol-powered versions. However, market forces that cannot guarantee their utility over the long term try to increase consumer awareness about their efficiency. This is why mandated alternative solutions via policy measures is one way forward. However regulatory bodies need to be willing to engage further players. While nontechnological solutions may work at one level, solving global warming must be tackled by all parties.
What causes climate change?
Climate change is a global phenomenon. It has been caused by an increase in greenhouse gases that are emitted from humans. These greenhouse gases trap more heat from the sun, which causes global warming.
Other contributing factors to climate change are population growth, land clearance and destruction of ecosystems as well as deforestation, energy use, over-grazing and energy consumption. This further reduces the number of naturally occurring carbon sinks that absorb CO2 from the atmosphere. Changes in solar radiation and other natural forces can also contribute to climate changes.
This combination of human activities results in Earth exceeding its ability to balance its energy budget. The result is an average global increase of 1° Celsius since pre-industrial days. Glaciers melt quicker than they form, and sea levels rise because oceans absorb most the heat energy. Water scarcity, droughts, or extreme weather events such hurricanes and floods can also have devastating consequences.
To avoid further damage, it is crucial that we reduce carbon emissions and take steps to curb our emissions. This will give us a fighting chance against climate change's already serious impacts. Reducing our dependence on fossil fuels for electricity production is crucial alongside investing in renewable sources - think wind turbines or solar panels - which do not emit any harmful pollutants into the environment. Other sustainable practices like reforestation can also help restore some balance around these delicate planetary cycles we rely on for survival.
What is the climate change's impact on ecosystems and biodiversity?
Climate change can have a variety of impacts on biodiversity, ecosystems, and the environment. Rising temperatures, changing extreme weather events and sea level, as well as an increase in acidity in oceans, are all issues that affect wildlife and ecosystems.
These shifts in climate conditions can cause shifts in habitat areas, disrupt food chains or affect population numbers or species distributions, with potentially dramatic consequences for biodiversity and the functioning of ecosystems. The hydrological cycle changes can have an impact on the availability of water for aquatic species.
Climate change also causes rising temperatures, more frequent extremes like droughts and flooding. This puts additional stress on fragile systems like coral reefs and tropical rainforests. The climate change will lead to the extermination or decline of as many as 30% of animal species in 2050. This could cause further destruction of ecological communities.
Climate change is an enormous threat to biodiversity and to human societies which depend on functioning ecosystems. The best way to minimize its impact is to work at every level to reduce global warming trends. Future damages can be avoided with prudent management practices.
Statistics
- Indigenous peoples and local communities receive less than 1% of all climate funding despite scoring wins for people and nature Africa's broken food markets must be fixed to tackle hunger (climatechangenews.com)
- According to the 2014 report on Climate Change Impacts, Adaptation, and Vulnerability (page 8) from the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, governments at various levels are also getting better at adaptation. (climate.nasa.gov)
- The 10 countries with the largest emissions contribute 68 percent. (un.org)
- This source accounts for about 10% of all the water that enters this highly productive farmland, including rivers and rain. (climate.nasa.gov)
- Fossil fuel production must decline by roughly 6 percent per year between 2020 and 2030. (un.org)
External Links
How To
How to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint and Fight Climate Change
You can reduce your carbon footprint while helping to combat climate change by taking several steps. First, reduce any energy you consume in your home by investing in energy-efficient appliances, lighting, and insulation. You can also cut down on energy by not plugging electronics, using public transport, walking, and lowering the temperature in winter and summer.
Second, recycling materials is a good idea. You can compost food scraps and not throw them away. Third, consider planting trees near your home to shade the sun and provide natural cooling. Finally, consider purchasing products with minimal packaging or sustainable labelings such as organic cotton or FSC-certified wood which means it's been sustainably managed over time to ensure forest health.
In addition to reducing your own personal emissions, you can also support organizations that focus on reducing global emissions such as Emissions Reduction Alberta; Climate Change Solutions; The Pembina Institute or The Nature Conservancy Canada work towards lowering emissions through clean energy investments and international initiatives like ICLEI - Local Governments for Sustainability's urban sustainability strategies program.
Everyday changes can be made to help fight climate change.