Synthesis report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
Today’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) synthesis report One thing is clear: our climate is warming at an unprecedented rate, and just as fast the window is closing for the world to drastically cut greenhouse gas emissions and keep the 1.5°C warming target within reach.
During this sixth IPCC assessment process, which began in 2015, we were repeatedly reminded of the consequences of the exponential increase in greenhouse gas emissions. We’ve seen the devastation caused by extreme storms and droughts, excessive heat, and raging wildfires. We are seeing firsthand and through satellite observations that ice is melting, raising sea levels and changing the composition of our ocean. Climate change is affecting ecosystems, people, infrastructure, and economies faster than ever before in the United States and around the world.
The United States has heard the IPCC’s clear call to action and reinvigorated our climate ambitions. Congress passed the Inflation Reduction Act, putting us on track to meet President Biden’s ambitious goal of reducing US emissions by 50 to 52 percent below 2005 levels by 2030 and our commitment to the years to come. Significant commitments and work to help the world adapt to climate change through the President’s Contingency Plan for Adaptation and Resilience (PREPARE) . Climate has been on the President’s agenda from day one of the administration, and while much remains to be done, we have made and will continue to make progress.
We commend the outstanding work and dedication of scientists from around the world, including many US scientists who have volunteered their time and expertise in this multi-year, multi-volume evaluation work. The United States commits to continue participating in the activities of the IPCC and consistently using scientific information as the basis for action in this crucial decade.
