Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)

What is the IPCC?

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) is a United Nations body, established to assess scientific information on climate change. It makes use of existing research to inform global climate policies, but does not carry out its own research. The IPCC includes 195 member countries and thousands of volunteer scientists, ensuring diverse and comprehensive global perspectives.

Its focus is split into three key segments:

Physical science basis
Impacts and adaptation
Mitigation strategies

IPCC 1.5°C Pathway

The IPCC's Special Report on Global Warming of 1.5°C highlights the need for significant reductions in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to limit global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. The report emphasises the urgent need for drastic changes across all sectors of society.

IPCC 1.5 aligned net zero pathway for companies

What does this mean for Companies?

Companies are encouraged to set more ambitious emission reduction targets. For example, Microsoft has committed to being carbon negative by 2030, going well beyond the 1.5°C pathway targets.
Businesses are pushed to innovate and invest in sustainable and low-carbon technologies. Tesla's focus on electric vehicles is an example of innovation aligning with the IPCC's recommendations.
There is an increasing trend towards stringent regulations, like the European Union's Green Deal, which aims to make Europe climate neutral by 2050.
Enhanced transparency in climate-related reporting is becoming essential, as seen with the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) guidelines.
Aligning with the 1.5°C pathway can improve a company's reputation. IKEA, for instance, has invested heavily in renewable energy, enhancing its brand image as a sustainable company.

Reports and Publications

The IPCC produces Assessment Reports, Special Reports, and Methodology Reports, providing comprehensive insights into climate change and its impacts. These reports are key inputs into international climate discussions, including the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) negotiations. Sustainability leaders are highly encouraged to remain up to date with the IPCC’s latest reports to ensure they are aware of the latest climate information.