IPCC

 

Recognising the need for a scientific assessment, the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) established the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) in 1988. The role of the IPCC is to assess on a comprehensive, objective, open and transparent basis the scientific, technical and socio-economic information relevant to understanding the scientific basis of risk of human-induced climate change, its potential impacts and options for adaptation and mitigation.

The IPCC does not carry out primary research. It bases its assessments on peer reviewed and published scientific/technical literature. Since its establishment the IPCC has produced a series of publications which have become standard works of reference.

The main products are Assessment Reports, Special Reports, Methodology Reports and Technical Papers. Each assessment includes a Summary for Policymakers published in all official UN languages. IPCC’s next major assessment, the Fourth Assessment Report on climate change, is currently under preparation and will be published during 2007.

The UK considers that the assessments of the IPCC provide the most authoritative and comprehensive picture of all aspects of climate change. UK scientist Professor Martin Parry co-chairs Working Group II on impacts, adaptation and vulnerability. The Government funds a technical unit, which supports him in this role.