IPCC Sixth Assessment Report

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GSTA 1850-2019

AR6 extreme event frequency increase

IPCC Sixth Assessment Report

The IPCC Sixth Assessment Report (AR6) is a comprehensive evaluation of the global climate, compiled by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). This report is the sixth in a series of assessments that aim to provide the world with an up-to-date scientific understanding of climate change, its impacts, and potential future risks, as well as strategies for mitigation and adaptation. The AR6 is divided into three main parts, each produced by one of the IPCC's working groups: The Physical Science Basis; Impacts, Adaptation, and Vulnerability; and Mitigation of Climate Change. Additionally, a Synthesis Report integrates the findings across the three working groups.

Working Group I: The Physical Science Basis

Working Group I's contribution to the AR6, titled "The Physical Science Basis," focuses on the most recent advancements in climate science. It assesses the current state of knowledge regarding the Earth's climate system and climate change, including observations of the atmosphere, ocean, and land, as well as theoretical understanding of the climate system. This section of the report provides evidence of how and why the climate has changed, offering projections of future climate change based on different emission scenarios.

Working Group II: Impacts, Adaptation, and Vulnerability

The second part of the AR6, produced by Working Group II, addresses the impacts of climate change on natural and human systems, the vulnerabilities of these systems to climate change, and their capacities for adaptation. This section emphasizes the need for urgent and coordinated action to address climate risks, highlighting the interdependence of ecosystems and human societies. It also explores strategies for reducing vulnerabilities and enhancing the resilience of communities across the globe.

Working Group III: Mitigation of Climate Change

Working Group III's contribution focuses on the mitigation of climate change. It examines options for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. This part of the report assesses strategies across various sectors, including energy, agriculture, forestry, and waste management, to achieve sustainable development goals while limiting global warming. It also discusses the socio-economic aspects of mitigation, including costs, benefits, and the distributional impacts of different mitigation policies.

Synthesis Report

The Synthesis Report integrates the findings from the three working groups, providing a comprehensive overview of the state of scientific knowledge on climate change. It is designed to be accessible to policymakers and addresses the most policy-relevant questions. The Synthesis Report summarizes the key messages and findings, highlighting the urgent need for global cooperation and action to mitigate climate change and adapt to its impacts.

Conclusion

The IPCC Sixth Assessment Report serves as a critical resource for understanding climate change and its implications for the planet. It underscores the importance of immediate and concerted action to reduce emissions, enhance resilience, and transition to a sustainable future. The AR6's findings are intended to inform international climate policy, including negotiations under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and its Paris Agreement.