Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change

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**Origins of the IPCC**:
– The IPCC’s predecessor was the Advisory Group on Greenhouse Gases (AGGG) established in 1986.
– The AGGG was formed by the International Council of Scientific Unions, UNEP, and WMO to review research on greenhouse gases.
– In 1988, the IPCC was created by WMO and UNEP to address the increasing complexity of climate science.

**Organization and Functioning**:
– The IPCC synthesizes existing scientific literature rather than conducting original research.
– It produces comprehensive assessments on climate change, special topic reports, and methodologies.
– The IPCC operates as both a scientific body and an organization of governments, emphasizing objectivity, transparency, and neutrality in reporting.

**Rules and Principles**:
– The IPCC assesses the risk of climate change caused by human activities and evaluates potential impacts.
– Reports are comprehensive, objective, open, and transparent, covering scientific, technical, and socioeconomic information relevant to climate change.
– The IPCC remains neutral regarding policy recommendations but provides information for policy-making.

**Structure and Governance**:
– The IPCC Panel oversees the organization’s work, approves reports, and sets the budget.
– The Chair, currently Jim Skea, leads the organization and the Bureau, which guides the three Working Groups and Task Force.
– Representatives appointed by governments participate in plenary sessions, with non-governmental and intergovernmental organizations attending as observers.

**Funding and Policies**:
– The IPCC receives funding through a trust fund established by UNEP and WMO in 1989, with an annual budget set by the Panel.
– The organization’s work is based on decisions of WMO and UNEP, with a focus on gender policy, inclusive work environment, and balanced participation.
– In 2021, the budget was approximately six million euros, financed by 195 UN Member states, with top contributors being the United States, Japan, France, Germany, and Norway.

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