The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) is an independent body founded under the auspices of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). It assesses the scientific literature and provides vital scientific information to the climate change process.
The Conference of the Parties (COP) has repeatedly appreciates the work of the IPCC and calls on the Convention bodies, in particular the Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice (SBSTA), to continue cooperation with the IPCC and to seek its advice. According to Article 21.2 of the Convention, the secretariat will cooperate closely with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change to ensure that the Panel can respond to the need for objective scientific and technical advice. The Joint Working Group (JWG) of the SBSTA and the IPCC meets regularly to ensure coordination and exchange information on the activities of the two bodies.
The IPCC authors assessment reports, which are widely recognized as the most credible sources of information on climate change. The First Assessment Report in 1990 helped launch negotiations on the Convention. The Fifth Assessment Report, finalized in October 2014, informs the negotiations and policy formulation towards the Paris Agreement. The release of the IPCC Sixth Assessment Report is underway and the contributions of IPCC Working Groups I - III have been released, with the AR6 synthesis report expected in early 2023. The IPCC also produces shorter special reports and technical papers on specific issues, a number of them at the request of the COP or the SBSTA. Special reports on Global Warming of 1.5°C, Climate Change and Land, and The Ocean and Cryosphere in a Changing Climate were released as part of this IPCC Sixth Assessment Cycle.
Through its Task Force on Greenhouse Gas Inventories, the IPCC carries out important work on methodologies for estimating and reporting GHG emissions. The IPCC 2019 Refinement to the 2006 IPCC Guidelines for National Greenhouse Gas Inventories, for example, are used by all Parties to prepare their annual emission inventories. In addition, the IPCC has developed guidance to help Parties deal with data uncertainties and support the use of good practice in managing emission inventories.
The IPCC frequently organizes workshops and expert meetings to support the assessment process. It may also co-sponsor workshops if they are considered to be a useful contribution to its own activities. A further calendar of internal IPCC events and milestones is also available.