Delegates to the 62nd session of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) reached consensus on the outlines of the reports that will be produced by each of the three IPCC Working Groups for the Seventh Assessment Cycle (AR7). They also agreed on a decision to enable the author nomination process to begin, which allows work on AR7 to move forward.
According to the Earth Negotiations Bulletin (ENB) summary report of the meeting, despite extensive discussions that wrapped up “more than 30 hours after the scheduled conclusion,” delegates were unable to reach an agreement on the timeline for the reports’ delivery. “While some countries emphasized the importance of a timely completion of the reports to maintain policy relevance by informing the Global Stocktake under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), others raised concerns that a compressed timeline could affect participation, particularly from developing countries,” ENB writes. Unresolved since IPCC-60 in January 2024, this debate will continue at IPCC-63, which is expected to convene in late 2025, “with hope that the Panel can finally break its deadlock.”
Discussions on the Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) Technologies, Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage for National Greenhouse Gas Inventories Methodology Report were also difficult, ENB reports, particularly with respect to the inclusion of carbon dioxide (CO2) removal from waterbodies. Delegates approved the broader methodological framework but postponed further deliberations on volume 7, focused on marine CDR, to IPCC-63.
The meeting also considered proposals for expert meetings and workshops. Delegates approved two workshops on new and extended methods of assessment: on the role of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI); and on engaging diverse knowledge systems such as Indigenous knowledge. Per ENB analysis of the meeting, with rapid developments in AI, technology may offer new ways “to address the challenges of producing a comprehensive review of the state of the science and options for action.”
Delegates also approved an expert meeting on methodologies, metrics, and indicators for assessing climate change impacts and adaptation.
The session featured debates on the status of observer organizations, budgetary matters, and participation, with continued prominence of the discussions on inclusivity and representation. “This was particularly relevant as the extended meeting hours resulted in the absence of many of the smallest delegations,” ENB observes, mostly from small island developing States (SIDS) and least developed countries (LDCs), leading to the final decisions being made without their participation.
For the first time in IPCC’s history, the US was absent, raising questions about its future participation in IPCC meetings.
IPCC-62 convened from 24 February to 1 March 2025 in Hangzhou, China. [ENB Coverage of IPCC-62]
