Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
The IPCC currently has 195 member countries, including Canada, and is the world's most authoritative source of information on climate change.
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Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) was established in 1988 by the United Nations Environment Programme and the World Meteorological Organization. The IPCC currently has 195 member countries, including Canada, and is the world's most authoritative source of information on climate change.
The IPCC does not carry out research, but bases its work on peer-reviewed and published scientific literature. The IPCC produces assessment reports based upon its findings that are released every five to seven years. These reports provide comprehensive information on the state of climate change science. The IPCC's fifth and most recent asessments reports were released in 2014.
Physical Science
The IPCC's report analyzes the science underpinning climate change. Key findings include:
- There is a 95% probability that climate change is caused by human activities, meaning it is "extremely likely."
- Average global temperature has increased by 0.85°C between 1880 and 2012.
- The warmest decade on record is 2000-2010.
- Temperatures will likely rise between 0.3°C to 4.8°C by the late 21st century compared to pre-industrial levels.
- Sea levels will likely increase between 26cm and 82cm by the late 21st century.
- The Arctic region will warm more rapidly than the global average.
- A nearly ice-free Arctic Ocean in September is possible by mid-century.
Climate Impacts
The IPCC's report also examines the impacts of climate change, including how future risks and potential opportunities can be managed. Key findings include:
- Natural systems are already being impacted by climate change, including wildlife behaviour.
- Weather extremes will be heightened by climate change, such as heat waves and hurricanes.
- Food production will be more negatively than positively impacted by climate change.
- Coastal and low-lying areas will experience negative impacts due to sea-level rise, including submergence and coastal flooding.
- There is uncertainty regarding the severity and timing of climate change impacts.
- Risks can be reduced by limiting the rate and magnitude of rising temperatures.
Reducing GHG Emissions
While some impacts of climate change are already being experienced, reducing GHG emissions is crucial to limit future impacts. Key findings of the IPCC's report include:
- GHG emissions increased from 1970 to 2010, with larger increases at the end of this period.
- Fossil fuel combustion and industrial activity accounted for 78% of total increases in GHG emissions between 1970 and 2010.
- Substantial GHG reductions by 2050 will be required to keep temperature increases below 2°C.*
- Delaying reduction efforts until 2030 will significantly increase the difficulty of keeping temperature increases below 2°C.*
- If GHG emissions are not reduced, global temperature could rise between 3.7°C and 4.8°C by 2100.*
The IPCC Fifth Assessment report concludes the cost of inaction on climate change is much higher than the cost of action. To avoid the most dangerous impacts of climate change, fossil fuels must be virtually phased out by the end of the century, and global investments in low-carbon electricity and energy efficiency must increase significantly before 2030. Global cooperation will be key to successfully taking action on climate change.
*Compared to pre-industrial levels.
The Fifth Assessment Report
The Fifth Assessment Report is the most comprehensive assessment of climate change ever undertaken. Over 830 scientists were selected to author the report, drawing on the work of over 1,000 contributing authors and over 2,000 expert reviewers. Over 30,000 scientific papers were reviewed and assessed during the process. The report covers three themes: the physical science behind climate change, the impacts of climate change, and reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
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Find out more about the Climate Change Impacts in Newfoundland and Labrador.