IPCC REPORTS

IPCC assessment reports are comprehensive evaluations that usually consist of three Working Group reports covering physical science, climate adaptation, and mitigation actions, along with a synthesis report that summarizes key findings from these groups. Additionally, thematic special reports may be included. These reports collectively analyze scientific literature to present the current understanding of climate change, including its scientific, technical, and socio-economic aspects. The IPCC is currently conducting its Seventh Assessment cycle (AR7).

• The IPCC assesses future scenarios by employing "modelled pathways" to project the actions necessary to limit global surface warming.
• These pathways are constructed using Integrated Assessment Models (IAMs), which depict interactions between human activities and Earth systems.
• IAMs are sophisticated tools that explore potential trajectories for energy systems, economies, and climate outcomes.
• They incorporate macroeconomic models to forecast GDP growth, energy models to estimate future consumption patterns, vegetation models to analyze land-use changes, and earth-system models to understand climate dynamics based on physics principles.
• Through this interdisciplinary integration, IAMs aim to offer actionable insights for policymakers regarding climate actions.
• However, they also have limitations. IAMs often prioritize least-cost assessments, which may favor actions with lower absolute costs in certain regions.
• Critics suggest that these models could better address equity concerns by considering options where wealthier nations bear a more significant burden of immediate and substantial mitigation efforts.

• The recent study, conducted by the National Institute of Advanced Studies, Bengaluru, and Research Foundation, Chennai, analyzed 556 scenarios from the IPCC's AR6 report. Their findings highlight significant disparities in economic and environmental projections between regions.
• The study revealed that by 2050, per-capita GDP in Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, West Asia, and other parts of Asia (which represent 60% of the global population) is projected to remain below the global average. It also identified disparities in consumption patterns and energy/fossil fuel usage between the Global North and Global South.
• Furthermore, the scenarios indicated a higher emphasis on carbon sequestration through land-based sinks (like forests) and increased adoption of carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies in developing nations compared to developed ones. This implies that poorer countries would disproportionately bear the burden of both mitigation efforts and carbon removal strategies.
• These scenarios for neglecting the historical responsibility of the Global North and overlooking the future energy requirements of the Global South for achieving development objectives. The analysis underscores the need for more equitable and balanced approaches in climate mitigation strategies that consider the varying capacities and responsibilities of different regions.

5. Why Equity is Crucial in Climate Action

• Equity holds significant importance in climate action for several reasons. Firstly, it is rooted in the principles outlined in the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), emphasizing fairness and shared responsibilities among nations. Article 3 of the Convention underscores the need for countries to protect the climate system based on equity and respective capabilities, with developed nations taking a leading role in addressing climate change and its adverse effects.
• Equity matters because it recognizes that different countries have varying capacities and historical responsibilities in contributing to climate change. Wealthier nations have typically emitted higher levels of greenhouse gases and have more resources to implement mitigation measures and adapt to climate impacts. On the other hand, poorer countries often bear a disproportionate burden of climate-related challenges despite contributing less to emissions historically.
• Climate models and pathways developed using Integrated Assessment Models (IAMs) often prioritize technical and economic feasibility without adequately considering equity principles. This can lead to scenarios where the burden of climate action and mitigation falls disproportionately on less developed regions, contradicting the principles of fairness and shared responsibility.
• In essence, equity in climate action implies a fair distribution of responsibilities and resources, with developed regions taking on more significant roles, including accelerating efforts towards achieving net-negative emissions and supporting less developed regions in their climate endeavors. Ignoring equity can perpetuate inequalities and hinder collective global efforts to address climate change effectively.

 

6. About IPCC

• The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) is the United Nations body for assessing the science related to climate change.
• IPCC was created in 1988 by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the objective of the IPCC is to provide governments at all levels with scientific information that they can use to develop climate policies.

 

 

7. The Way Forward

 

Addressing equity in climate action requires a holistic approach that integrates social, economic, and environmental considerations into policy frameworks and implementation strategies. Collaboration among nations, civil society, academia, and private sectors is key to advancing equitable and effective climate solutions on a global scale.

 

 

For Prelims: IPCC, Climate Change, UNFCCC For Mains:  1. Climate change is a global challenge, but its impacts are not equally distributed. Discuss the concept of equity in climate action and its importance in achieving sustainable development. (250 Words) 2. Developed nations have historically contributed more to greenhouse gas emissions. Discuss the economic implications of transitioning to a low-carbon economy for both developed and developing countries. Suggest strategies for promoting a just transition. (250 Words)

 

Previous Year Questions   1. With reference to the 'Global Climate Change Alliance', which of the following statements is/are correct? (UPSC 2017) 1. It is an initiative of the European Union. 2. It provides technical and financial support to targeted developing countries to integrate climate change into their development policies and budgets. 3. It is coordinated by World Resources Institute (WRI) and World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) Select the correct answer using the code given below: A. 1 and 2 only            B. 3 only           C. 2 and 3 only              D. 1, 2 and 3     2. The IPCC is the United Nations body for assessing the science related to climate change. IPCC stands for: (RRB NTPC CBT 2 2022) A. Intergovernmental Provision on Climate Change B. International Panel on Climate Change C. International Provision on Climate Change D. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change   Answers: 1-A, 2-D

 

Source: The Hindu