The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has commenced its 62nd session in Hangzhou, China, bringing together over 400 delegates from its 195 member governments. This session is particularly significant as it sets the stage for the development of the IPCC’s Seventh Assessment Report, which will provide crucial insights into the state of climate change, its impacts, and potential mitigation strategies. Representatives will also review the timelines and budgets for four key reports that will contribute to this comprehensive assessment.
The IPCC operates through three working groups, each focusing on a different aspect of climate science. Working Group I examines the physical science of climate change, analyzing temperature trends, extreme weather patterns, and greenhouse gas concentrations. Working Group II explores the consequences of climate change, including the vulnerabilities of communities, ecosystems, and economies, as well as adaptation strategies to mitigate these impacts. Working Group III focuses on solutions, evaluating policies and technologies that can reduce emissions and slow the pace of global warming. Together, these groups form the foundation of the IPCC’s research and policy recommendations.
At the opening of the session, IPCC Chair Jim Skea emphasized the importance of the discussions taking place in Hangzhou, noting that this is a decisive moment for the organization’s work in addressing climate change. China’s Special Envoy for Climate Change Liu Zhenmin and Chen Zhenlin, Administrator of the China Meteorological Administration, also addressed the gathering, welcoming delegates and observer organizations to the plenary session. Their remarks underscored China’s role in supporting global climate research and policy efforts.
During the ceremony, World Meteorological Organization (WMO) Deputy Secretary-General Ko Barrett delivered a sobering reminder of the urgency of climate action. She highlighted that 2024 has been recorded as the warmest year on record, with global temperatures averaging approximately 1.55°C above pre-industrial levels. Barrett stressed that climate change is no longer an abstract issue but a tangible reality affecting people worldwide. She pointed out that extreme weather events such as severe flooding and extreme heat waves are becoming more frequent, affecting individuals and communities across the globe.
As part of the opening proceedings, video messages from key figures in the global climate governance landscape were screened. Inger Andersen, Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), and Simon Stiell, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), reinforced the significance of the IPCC’s work in guiding international climate policy. They reiterated that scientific assessments form the foundation of informed decision-making, ensuring that policymakers have access to the latest research on climate change and its potential solutions.
A major focus of the session is the consideration of the Methodology Report on Carbon Dioxide Removal Technologies and Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage. These technologies play a critical role in reducing atmospheric carbon dioxide levels and mitigating climate change. Discussions will explore their feasibility, effectiveness, and potential role in achieving global climate goals. Additionally, the IPCC’s Task Force on National Greenhouse Gas Inventories will continue refining methodologies for measuring emissions and removals, ensuring that countries have accurate and standardized data to inform their climate policies.
The IPCC operates under the co-sponsorship of the WMO and UNEP, drawing on contributions from thousands of scientific studies published each year. Its assessments synthesize vast amounts of research to provide a comprehensive understanding of climate change drivers, consequences, and possible interventions. These findings are used by governments, businesses, and organizations worldwide to develop policies aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and building climate resilience.
As the Hangzhou session progresses, delegates will work toward shaping the next phase of the IPCC’s work, ensuring that scientific knowledge continues to guide global efforts to combat climate change. The outcomes of these discussions will influence policy decisions at national and international levels, reinforcing the crucial role of science in addressing one of the most pressing challenges of our time.
