Introduction

Since 1988, the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has been pivotal in assessing climate science and guiding global responses to climate change through its assessment reports and special publications.
Last years’ Sixth Assessment Report (AR6) underscores the urgency of addressing climate change, highlighting the need to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.

About IPCC

	Description
Establishment	Established in 1988 by WMO and UNEP
Membership	195 member countries.
Objective	Assess scientific info on human-induced climate change, impacts, and mitigation/adaptation options.
Main Activity	Prepares assessment, special, and methodology reports, crucial for international climate negotiations.
Scientific Research	Relies on global scientific community for literature review and conclusions.
Working Groups	Comprises three groups: I (climate physics), II (impacts/adaptation), and III (mitigation)
Reports	Each group issues reports, compiled into a synthesis report.

Urgent Warning: AR6 warns that time is running out to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius and stresses the need for immediate action to mitigate climate change impacts.
Adaptation Challenges: The report highlights challenges in adapting to climate change and offers strategies to enhance resilience in natural and human-made systems.

IPCC Bureau Meeting: In January 2024, the IPCC initiated its seventh assessment cycle (AR7) with a bureau meeting in Turkey to discuss budgeting, timelines, and the work program.
Lessons from AR6: Insights from the AR6 cycle, along with member country submissions, informed discussions on the structure and focus of the upcoming reports.

Assessing Progress: The global stocktake (GST) evaluates progress towards the Paris Agreement goals, with the IPCC playing a crucial role in providing scientific input.
Alignment with Stocktake: Member countries request IPCC reports to align with the GST, facilitating comprehensive assessments of climate action effectiveness.

Report Components: The AR7 cycle will include full assessment reports, synthesis reports, methodology reports, and a special report on climate change and cities.
Revised Guidelines: Methodology reports will cover short-lived climate forcers and carbon removal, while technical guidelines on impacts and adaptation will be updated.
Publication Timeline: The bureau aims to publish special and methodology reports by 2027, with the timeline for assessment reports pending further discussion.

Time Constraints: Balancing the need for timely reports with the rigorous review process and evolving climate research poses challenges.
Content Integrity: Shortened timelines may affect the depth and breadth of the reports, potentially compromising their scientific rigor and inclusivity.
Engagement Complexity: Limited timeframes may hinder effective engagement with under-represented communities and stakeholders, impacting report quality.

The initiation of IPCC’s AR7 cycle marks a critical juncture in global climate science, emphasizing the urgency of addressing climate change.
Despite challenges, the IPCC remains committed to delivering comprehensive and scientifically robust assessments to guide climate action.
Collaboration between scientists, policymakers, and stakeholders will be essential in navigating the complexities of climate science and fostering sustainable solutions for a resilient future.