The Intergovernmental Panel on
Climate Change (IPCC) is the leading international body for the assessment of
climate change. It was established by the United Nations Environment Programme
(UNEP) and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) in 1988 to provide the
world with a clear scientific view on the current state of knowledge in climate
change and its potential environmental and socio-economic impacts. Its
catch-cry is to provide governments with policy-relevant but not
policy-prescriptive advice on physical aspects of climate change (through
Working Group I), the impacts and adaptation options to climate change (through
Working Group II), and technologies, costs and policy options to mitigate
greenhouse gas emissions (through Working Group III). The IPCC also provides
guidelines and best practice advice on preparing greenhouse gas emissions
inventories through its Task Force on National Greenhouse Gas Inventories. 


The IPCC is an intergovernmental
body and focuses on the science-policy interface, i.e. handing over scientific
information so that it can underpin government decisions on how to address
climate change. It is open to all member countries of the United Nations (UN)
and WMO. Currently 195 countries are Members of the IPCC. Reports are written
by scientists drawn from around the world based on their expertise and
geographical balance.  Governments
participate in the review process and the plenary Sessions, where main
decisions about the IPCC work programme are taken and reports are accepted,
adopted and approved. The IPCC Bureau Members, including the Chair, are also
elected during the plenary Sessions.


IPCC Structure


IPCC Reports