IPCC Advances Crucial Climate Reports in Lima Plenary Session
Published: october 27, 2025, Lima, Peru
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) is currently holding its sixty-third plenary session in Lima, Peru, focusing on progress in its seventh assessment cycle. The meeting, which commenced today, brings together government representatives, scientific experts, and observers to chart the course for upcoming climate reports.
Peru Hosts Critical Climate discussions
The Peruvian government and the city of Lima are serving as hosts for this vital session.Officials have expressed gratitude for the hospitality extended to the delegates. The choice of Lima is notably poignant, given the nation’s rich history rooted in the ancient Inca civilization. The Incas demonstrated advanced engineering and disaster preparedness, lessons that remain relevant in today’s climate crisis.
Advancing the seventh Assessment Report
The IPCC is more than two years into its seventh assessment cycle, focusing on a range of critical reports. Expert review of the draft Special Report on Cities and Climate Change is underway, slated for completion by mid-December. Simultaneously, work progresses on the Methodology Report on Short-lived Climate Forcers, following a recent lead author meeting.
Global Collaboration Drives IPCC Research
In February,the IPCC made a key decision regarding the scientific foundations of its three Working Group contributions to the Seventh Assessment Report. This enabled the solicitation of expert nominations, culminating in the appointment of 664 authors from over 100 countries by the end of August. remarkably, Peruvian scientists represent a meaningful portion of this collaborative effort, with seven individuals contributing to both the Cities report and the Working Group studies. The demand for participation from qualified experts reportedly exceeded available positions by a factor of nearly six, demonstrating keen global interest in this work.
The IPCC has also made strides in inclusivity, expanding access to scientific literature for researchers in developing nations, holding an expert meeting on gender, diversity, and inclusion, and providing support for chapter scientists from those same countries.
Key Priorities for This Week’s Session
A central priority of this week’s session is finalizing workplans for the three Working Group reports, a critical step for continued progress.Delegates will also refine the outline for a Methodology Report on Carbon Dioxide Removal Technologies, Carbon Capture Utilization, and Storage – areas gaining increasing attention as potential climate mitigation strategies.
Financial Support Crucial for IPCC’s Mission
The IPCC Chair emphasized the indispensable role of financial contributions from member governments, which sustain the panel’s rigorous, peer-reviewed scientific assessments. The IPCC Trust Fund is the primary mechanism for supporting the participation of governments and scientists from developing countries. Multi-year funding commitments are especially valuable for ensuring sustainability and inclusivity.
Successful funding is essential to ensure the IPCC remains a powerful and objective entity on a global scale.
| Report | Status | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Cities and Climate Change | Expert Review – First Order Draft | Review ongoing until mid-December |
| Short-Lived Climate Forcers | First Order Draft in Progress | Following Second Lead Author Meeting |
| Working Group Reports | author Selection Complete | 664 Authors from 100+ Countries Appointed |
Did You Know? The IPCC doesn’t conduct its own research; rather,it assesses existing scientific literature to provide a comprehensive and objective view of climate change.
pro Tip: Stay informed about the IPCC’s findings and reports to understand the latest climate science and its implications for policy and action. Visit the IPCC website.
What role do you think cities will play in mitigating climate change? How can international collaboration best support climate research in developing nations?
Understanding the IPCC’s Role in Climate Action
Established in 1988 by the United Nations Habitat Programme (UNEP) and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the IPCC has become the leading international body for assessing climate change.Its reports are crucial in informing policymakers and the public about the science of climate change, its potential impacts, and options for adaptation and mitigation. The IPCC process is incredibly rigorous,involving hundreds of scientists from around the world who volunteer their time to assess thousands of scientific papers.
Frequently Asked Questions About the IPCC
- what is the IPCC’s primary function? The IPCC assesses the science related to climate change.
- How does the IPCC conduct its assessments? It reviews and synthesizes thousands of scientific studies.
- who contributes to IPCC reports? Hundreds of volunteer scientists from around the world.
- What is the importance of the Seventh Assessment Report? It builds upon previous reports, incorporating the latest climate science.
- How can I access IPCC reports? All reports are publicly available on the IPCC website.
- Why is financial support crucial for the IPCC? Funding allows for inclusivity and ensures the integrity of the assessments.
- What is the role of the IPCC in global climate policy? It provides scientific basis for international negotiations and policy decisions.
Share your thoughts on this important work in the comments below!
What role does BECCS play in the IPCC’s vision for achieving net-zero emissions, and what are the potential challenges associated with its widespread implementation?
IPCC Chair Jim skea’s Keynote Address at the 63rd Session: Insights and Directions
The Urgency of Accelerated Climate Action
jim Skea’s keynote address at the 63rd Session of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) underscored a critical message: the window for limiting global warming to 1.5°C is rapidly closing. His presentation, delivered on October 26th, 2025, didn’t shy away from the stark realities presented in the IPCC’s Sixth Assessment Report (AR6), but also highlighted pathways – albeit challenging – to a more enduring future. The core theme revolved around the need for immediate and deep emissions reductions across all sectors.
Key Takeaways from Skea’s Address
Skea’s address wasn’t simply a reiteration of existing IPCC findings. It focused on translating scientific data into actionable strategies for policymakers, businesses, and individuals. Hear’s a breakdown of the key takeaways:
* Global Stocktake Implications: The first Global Stocktake, completed at COP28, revealed a notable gap between current efforts and the Paris Agreement goals. Skea emphasized that Nationally Steadfast Contributions (NDCs) must be drastically strengthened and implemented with greater urgency.
* Fossil Fuel Phase-Out: A central point was the unequivocal need to phase out fossil fuels. This isn’t just about reducing coal consumption; it requires a systemic shift away from oil and gas, coupled with massive investments in renewable energy sources. He specifically mentioned the importance of addressing methane emissions as a critical short-term win.
* Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) Technologies: While not a silver bullet, Skea acknowledged the necessity of CDR technologies to achieve net-zero emissions. He stressed that these technologies must be deployed responsibly and sustainably,avoiding unintended consequences.This includes exploring options like direct air capture and bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS).
* Finance and Technology Transfer: Developed nations must fulfill their commitments to provide financial and technological support to developing countries. This is crucial for enabling a just and equitable transition to a low-carbon economy. Skea highlighted the need for innovative financing mechanisms and increased private sector investment in climate solutions.
* Adaptation is Non-Negotiable: Even with aggressive mitigation efforts, some level of climate change is certain. Skea emphasized the critical importance of adaptation measures to protect vulnerable communities and ecosystems. This includes investing in climate-resilient infrastructure, early warning systems, and sustainable agriculture.
Deep Dive: Understanding Carbon Emission measurement
The accuracy of climate action relies heavily on precise carbon emission measurement. Skea’s address implicitly referenced the foundational work in this area. As highlighted by sources like Zhihu Salt Selection [https://www.zhihu.com/market/pub/120324314/manuscript/1533801698976301056], the IPCC carbon emission coefficient method remains a cornerstone of emissions accounting.
* IPCC Coefficient Method: This method, based on the principle that each energy source has a fixed carbon emission factor, provides a standardized approach to calculating emissions.However, Skea likely acknowledged the ongoing research to refine these coefficients and account for regional variations.
* Beyond Coefficients: Modern approaches increasingly incorporate life cycle assessments (LCAs) and real-time monitoring technologies to provide a more extensive picture of carbon footprints. These advancements are vital for tracking progress and ensuring accountability.
* Scope 1, 2, and 3 Emissions: Skea’s discussion of comprehensive emissions reductions implicitly included all scopes of emissions.Understanding the difference is crucial:
* Scope 1: Direct emissions from owned or controlled sources.
* Scope 2: Indirect emissions from the generation of purchased electricity, steam, heating, and cooling.
* Scope 3: All other indirect emissions that occur in a company’s value chain.
Implications for Businesses and Investors
Skea’s address sends a clear signal to the business community: climate risk is not just an environmental issue; it’s a fundamental business risk.
* Transition Risk: Companies reliant on fossil fuels face significant transition risk as
