On 20 March, the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, IPCC) will publish its latest climate report. Since the panel was established in 1988, it has published six such assessments to date. These are the most comprehensive and authoritative pieces of evidence regarding human-induced climate change.

As the consequences of climate change become increasingly urgent, the forthcoming publication is expected to become a highly fundamental document for future action on climate matters.

What to expect from the latest IPCC report?

Every 5-7 years, the IPCC publishes a series of reports summarising the latest information on climate change. These reports are the result of the work of three different working groups, which focus on the scientific research into climate change, its impacts and potential solutions.

The IPCC has also published 14 special reports focusing on specific areas, including aviation, emissions and the oceans. The IPCC synthesis report due on 20 March is the final one in this cycle; it summarises information from the six reports published to date, highlighting the most important findings.

Each of these reports contains information on the reality of climate change, ranging from the 'unequivocal' consensus that it is caused by human activity to the risks facing half of humanity.