IPCC
Climate change is one of humanity's greatest threats in the 21st century. It affects
every continent, every economy, and every community, but not equally.
To tackle this global issue through coordinated scientific research and policy support,
the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) was established.
While the IPCC has played a pivotal role in shaping global understanding and action
on climate change, it has also faced considerable challenges in addressing the
unique concerns of the Global South, which comprises the developing and least
developed countries.
These nations are often the most vulnerable to climate change, despite having
contributed the least to the problem.
Historical Background of the IPCC
The IPCC was founded in 1988 by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO)
and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
The need for a global scientific body arose out of growing concerns about
anthropogenic (human-induced) climate change and the realization that organized
scientific reports were necessary for informed policymaking.
Founding Year: 1988
Founding Bodies: WMO and UNEP
Mandate: To assess scientific, technical, and socio-economic information relevant to
understanding the risk of human-induced climate change.
The IPCC was not created to conduct original research but to assess existing research and
present a consensus view of scientific understanding.
Core Objectives of the IPCC
Scientific Assessment: To evaluate the current state of knowledge on climate change,
its potential impacts, and future risks.
Policy Relevance: To provide scientific input to climate policy negotiations, without
prescribing specific policies.
Consensus Building: To gather scientific research from around the world and share it
in a clear, organized, fair, and trusted way.
Public Awareness: To increase awareness about the urgency and scale of climate
change.
1.3 Key Functions of the IPCC
Function Description
Detailed reports summarizing global research on climate change
Assessment Reports
(e.g., AR6).
Special Reports Reports focused on specific topics, like global warming of 1.5°C.
Methodology Tools for national governments to measure greenhouse gas
Guidelines emissions.
Structure of the IPCC
The IPCC operates through three working groups and a task force:
Working Group I: Physical science of climate change.
Working Group II: Impacts, vulnerability, and adaptation.
Working Group III: Mitigation of climate change.
Task Force on GHG Inventories: Develops guidelines for emission measurements.
Each working group is made up of scientists from around the world, nominated by
governments and international organizations. Reports go through multiple rounds of peer
review before final publication.
The Global South: Definition and Climate Vulnerability
The Global South refers broadly to developing countries, primarily in Africa, Latin America,
Asia, and Oceania. These regions face unique challenges:
Sea-level rise
Droughts and floods
Cyclones and hurricanes
Decline in agriculture and food security
Key Characteristics of the Global South in Climate Context
Feature Description
Vulnerability High exposure to climate extremes (e.g., droughts, floods).
Emission Contribution Low historical GHG emissions.
Adaptive Capacity Limited due to poverty and weak infrastructure.
Development Priorities Focused on poverty alleviation and basic services.
Challenges Faced by the IPCC in Addressing Global
South Concerns
Despite its efforts, the IPCC continues to face structural and systemic barriers in fully
representing and addressing the concerns of developing countries. These are outlined below:
4.1 Underrepresentation in Scientific Processes
There is limited participation of scientists from the Global South in key roles such
as lead authors or reviewers.
Due to funding gaps and language barriers, many qualified researchers from
developing countries are unable to participate in IPCC processes.
This results in a Northern bias in the final reports.
4.2 Lack of Localized and Context-Specific Research
Much of the literature assessed by IPCC is based on research from developed
countries.
Local realities such as indigenous knowledge, traditional farming practices, or
climate adaptation methods used in villages often go undocumented.
This weakens the global relevance of IPCC’s findings.
4.3 Inequity in Climate Finance and Technology Transfer
Although the IPCC does not directly fund climate action, its findings guide the allocation of
resources through international mechanisms like the Green Climate Fund (GCF).
However:
Adaptation funding is especially low compared to mitigation, despite being more
crucial for vulnerable countries.
There is a technology divide—developing countries have little access to low-carbon
technologies and modern infrastructure.
4.4 Communication and Accessibility Issues
IPCC reports are often technical and written in complex language, making them
hard to understand for non-scientists and grassroots communities.
There is limited translation into local languages.
This creates a barrier in converting scientific knowledge into practical action on the
ground.
4.5 Neglect of Climate Justice and Historical Responsibility
While the concept of Common But Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR) is
acknowledged, it is not always effectively operationalized.
Historical emissions from the Global North are not adequately factored into climate
burden-sharing frameworks.
As John L. Brooke argues that climate change cannot be addressed without
confronting the deep-rooted inequalities that date back to colonial and imperial
histories
Real-World Examples from the Global South
5.1 Bangladesh
Faces severe floods and tropical cyclones.
Adaptation strategies include elevated homes, early warning systems, and climate-
resilient crops.
However, funding and international support are insufficient.
5.2 Sub-Saharan Africa
Highly dependent on rain-fed agriculture.
Recurrent droughts lead to food insecurity.
Need for climate-resilient agriculture and water conservation methods.
5.3 Small Island Developing States (SIDS)
Nations like Maldives, Tuvalu, and Kiribati are at risk of being submerged due to
sea-level rise.
These nations have little to no contribution to climate change but face existential
threats.
Recommendations and Solutions
Enhance Representation: Greater inclusion of Global South scientists in IPCC
author teams.
Capacity Building: Support for research institutions in developing countries.
Localized Research: Promote region-specific studies.
Funding Equity: Ensure timely and adequate climate finance.
Simplify Communication: Translate reports into accessible language and local
dialects.
