New Developments at the IPCC Meeting in Hangzhou, China
As the IPCC meeting in Hangzhou, China continues, representatives from around 190 countries are actively engaged in scientific assessments of climate change. However, the absence of the United States is glaring, as the Trump administration has issued a “work stop” order preventing US federal scientists from participating in this crucial gathering.
Impact of US Withdrawal
The decision by the US government to withhold its participation in the IPCC meeting raises questions about the future of international climate collaboration. The US has historically played a vital role in the IPCC by providing scientific expertise, participating in negotiations, and contributing financially to the process. The current absence affects all these aspects significantly.
Lack of Federal Scientific Expertise
One immediate consequence of the US withdrawal is the absence of US federal scientists at the IPCC plenary. Experts from agencies like NASA and NOAA have played key roles in assessing climate change mitigation strategies. NASA’s chief scientist, Kate Calvin, who co-chairs Working Group III, is notably missing from the discussions, impacting the group’s ability to shape effective mitigation strategies.
The Technical Support Units (TSUs) that support the working groups are also affected, with US personnel comprising a significant portion of the staff. Without their contributions, the IPCC’s ability to produce comprehensive reports is compromised.
Lack of US Negotiators
With no US negotiators at the table, other countries are shaping the discussions without American input. This diminishes the US’s influence in global climate assessments and undermines its role in shaping consensus-based decisions within the IPCC.
Loss of US Funding
The US’s withdrawal from the IPCC also means a loss of financial support, creating additional strain on the organization. While other countries or philanthropists may step in to fill the gap, the absence of US funding reinforces the message of the nation’s retreat from international climate cooperation.
Future of the IPCC
Despite these challenges, the IPCC continues its work with the participation of non-federal scientists. The organization’s strength lies in its ability to convene experts from various sectors globally. However, the absence of US federal support weakens the IPCC’s ability to provide crucial scientific information to address the climate crisis.
As the IPCC adapts to these challenges, the real question remains: how long will the US stay on the sidelines, and what will be the cost to global efforts and US communities? The Union of Concerned Scientists remains actively engaged in this important scientific process, advocating for continued collaboration and action on climate change.
Note: The US delivered approximately 1.4 million Swiss Francs in funding for the IPCC on November 8, 2024, contrary to earlier reports stating otherwise.
