Dr. Adrian Spence, a senior research scientist at the International Centre for Environmental and Nuclear Sciences, The University of the West Indies Mona endorses the recently announced work programme for the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). He emphasizes the significance of the focus areas in the global efforts to achieve the long-term temperature goals of the Paris Agreement.

The Paris Agreement commits countries to limit the increase in the global average temperature to well below two degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, with an aspiration to limit it to 1.5 degrees Celsius. Dr. Spence believes that the IPCC's focus areas align with these goals and are crucial for addressing the climate crisis.

The IPCC's upcoming cycle of work includes a Methodology Report on Carbon Dioxide Removal Technologies, Carbon Capture Utilization and Storage, a Special Report on Climate Change and Cities, and a Methodology Report on Short-lived Climate Forcers. Short-lived climate forcers, which include air pollutants like aerosols and reactive gases, are highlighted for their impact on climate and public health.

The IPCC will also produce three Working Group contributions to the Seventh Assessment Report, covering the Physical Science Basis, Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability, and Mitigation of Climate Change. Dr. Spence commends the emphasis on adaptation to climate change and stresses the importance of timely scientific information for policy decisions.

With the growing concerns over urbanization, especially in the global South, Dr. Spence sees valuable insights coming from the IPCC's work, particularly regarding greenhouse gas emissions from lifestyle activities in cities. He underscores the importance of addressing short-lived climate forcers and highlights the critical role of carbon dioxide removal and carbon capture in achieving carbon peaking and neutrality goals by 2030 and 2050, respectively.

Dr. Spence emphasizes the urgency of these strategies, pointing out that although emissions are decreasing, there is still a risk of exceeding the warning threshold of three degrees above pre-industrial levels. He calls for immediate action to address greenhouse gas emissions, which contribute to climate change impacts that disproportionately affect vulnerable regions like the Caribbean and other Small Island Developing States (SIDS).

Photo caption: Dr. Adrian Spence

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