GIEC, which stands for Groupe d’experts intergouvernemental sur l’évolution du climat or Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) in English, is an international body that provides scientific assessments of climate change. It was established in 1988 by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) to provide policymakers with objective information about climate change and its potential impacts.
The GIEC is composed of thousands of scientists and experts from around the world who volunteer their time to contribute to the assessment reports. These experts are selected based on their expertise in various aspects of climate science and related fields, such as atmospheric physics, oceanography, economics, and social sciences.
The composition of the GIEC includes three main groups:
1. Working Group I (WG I): This group focuses on the physical science basis of climate change. It assesses the current understanding of climate system processes, historical climate data, future projections, and the causes of climate change.
2. Working Group II (WG II): This group assesses the impacts of climate change on natural and human systems. It evaluates the vulnerabilities, risks, and adaptation options for different regions and sectors, such as agriculture, water resources, and ecosystems.
3. Working Group III (WG III): This group focuses on mitigation strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and limit the magnitude of future climate change. It assesses the potential and costs of various emission reduction measures, such as renewable energy, energy efficiency, and changes in land use.
In addition to the three Working Groups, the GIEC also includes a Task Force on National Greenhouse Gas Inventories that works on methodological issues related to greenhouse gas inventories and reporting.
The GIEC is overseen by a Bureau composed of elected members from different countries. The Bureau is responsible for coordinating the activities of the Working Groups, organizing expert meetings and workshops, and ensuring the quality and consistency of the assessments.
The GIEC’s composition ensures a comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach to climate change research and assessment. It brings together scientists, experts, and policymakers from different countries and disciplines to provide a robust and credible scientific foundation for climate action.
