The publication of the IPCC 2022 climate report, which is considered one of the most influential and credible available, was long anticipated, as the previous, i.e. fifth, report on climate change was published back in 2014. A lot has changed over the years, but unfortunately in a negative direction.

Contribution of our researchers

The report emphasises that, in regard to tackling climate change, we are facing radical systemic shifts, which require the development of new knowledge and capabilities in academia, entrepreneurship as well as policy-making. As potential solutions, the report refers to research published by the researchers of the Nurkse Department on the development of public sector policy-making and implementation capabilities to address complex modern issues (see their upcoming book). 

All previous IPCC reports have provided explicit indications, which leave no doubt – anthropogenic climate change is widespread, rapid and intensifying. This endangers the well-being of our own as well as all other species, and puts the entire planet’s health at risk. If coordinated global climate measures are delayed any longer, it will cause us to miss the rapidly closing window of opportunity.

Global warming continues rapidly

“The world is at a crossroads,” said UN Secretary-General António Guterres. “It is time for action. We have the required tools and know-how to limit the warming and ensure a decent future,” he stated, urging all countries and governments to act in light of the publication of the 2022 report. The report provides an overview of the global emissions situation, clearly illustrating that we are going off course from the trajectory aimed at limiting global warming to 1.5 °C.

The report, which was prepared in collaboration with the world’s researchers, also presents strategies to solve the critical issues of our time:

• how to reduce greenhouse gas emissions?
• how to capture carbon?
• how to make buildings, transport, cities, agriculture, livestock farming and energy more environmentally sustainable?

The IPCC is an intergovernmental scientific organisation which has been operating under the auspices of the UN since 1988, providing research-based overviews on climate change as well as its political and economic impact.

See the 2022 IPCC climate report.