UN climate talks face tensions over timing of next major report and U.S. withdrawal
Representatives from nearly 200 countries are meeting in China to negotiate the next Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report, with disagreements over its release date and concerns about U.S. withdrawal from the process.
Rosie Frost reports for Euronews.
In short:
- The IPCC is convening in Hangzhou, China, to finalize details of its next climate assessment, which compiles global climate science into three reports.
- Some nations want the report published sooner to inform the 2028 UN Global Stocktake, while others argue an accelerated timeline could limit scientific inclusivity.
- The Trump administration has reportedly withdrawn U.S. officials from the talks, raising concerns about reduced American participation in climate policy discussions.
Key quote:
“We owe it to everyone suffering the impacts of the climate crisis now, and to future generations, to make decisions about our planet’s future on the basis of the best evidence and knowledge available to us.”
— joint statement from High Ambition Coalition ministers
Why this matters:
The IPCC reports shape global climate policy, influencing governments, businesses, and activism. Delaying their release could hinder climate action, while rushing them may compromise scientific accuracy. The U.S. withdrawal further complicates negotiations, potentially weakening international efforts. Meanwhile, 2024 was the hottest year on record, underscoring the urgency of the climate crisis.
Related: Trump administration halts U.S. role in global climate assessment
