Tag: IPCC

A Synthesis Report has been issued, based on the reports of the three Working Groups of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), including relevant Special Reports.  The report provides an integrated view of climate change as the final part of the IPCC’s Fifth Assessment Report (AR5). Human influence on the climate system is clear, and recent anthropogenic emissions of greenhouse gases are the highest in history. Recent climate changes have had widespread impacts on human and natural systems. Observed changes in the climate system Warming of the climate system is unequivocal, and since the 1950s, many of the observed changes are unprecedented over decades to millennia. The atmosphere and ocean have warmed, the amounts of snow and ice have diminished, and sea level has risen. Over the period 1992 to 2011, the Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets have been losing mass (high confidence), likely at a larger rate over 2002 to 2011. Glaciers have continued to shrink almost worldwide (high confidence). Northern Hemisphere spring now cover has continued to decrease in extent. There is high confidence that permafrost temperatures have increased in most regions since the early 1980s in response to increased surface temperature and changing snow cover. The annual mean ...

Working Group II of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has launched the full version of its contribution to the IPCC Fifth Assessment Report Climate Change 2014: Impacts, Adaptation, and Vulnerability. This definitive assessment is the result of years of intensive work by leading experts in the field, including PML's Dr Carol Turley. It provides the most comprehensive look to date at the widespread impacts and risks of climate change and the opportunities for response. The full version of the Working Group II report includes a Summary for Policymakers, a Technical Summary, 30 assessment chapters, cross-chapter boxes, frequently asked questions, and high-resolution graphics. PML's Dr Carol Turley was a Review Editor on the report for Chapter 30, 'The Ocean'. Dr Turley commented 'I am pleased that after the tremendous efforts of all those involved, the full version of the contribution of Working Group II has been released. This is a crucial step forward in recognising that the ocean is under considerable stress from warming, acidification and deoxygenation, which have potentially serious consequences for marine ecosystems and the goods and services they provide for humanity.' The report characterizes what is known and what is not known about impacts of climate changes that have already occurred and risks of ...

Nearly 500 climate experts, policy makers and representatives from space agencies and industry will join in the debate to identify how observations from current and future satellites will address the grand research challenges identified by the World Climate Research Programme (WCRP). EUMETSAT Director-General Alain Ratier said, “After the publication of the Fifth Assessment Report of the IPCC and one year before the next Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, our purpose is to bring together scientists and space agencies to connect satellite observations to the climate challenges we are facing. This means not only to understand climate change but also to establish on the best possible scientific foundation the climate information services expected by decision makers.” The symposium will provide new inputs to the design of the global architecture for climate monitoring from space being established by the Committee on Earth Observation Satellites (CEOS) and the Coordination Group for Meteorological Satellites, in response to the needs of the World Meteorological Organization, the Global Framework for Climate Services (GFCS) and the Global Climate Observing System (GCOS).A number of high level speakers will open the symposium, including Ms Brigitte Zypries, German State Secretary for Economic Affairs and Energy, Mr Klaus-Peter Willsch, Chairman of the ...

A paper published in Environmental Research Letters by NOC scientist Dr Svetlana Jevrejeva provides valuable new information about the probability of a sea-level rise reaching of 180cm by 2100. In this study Dr Jevrejeva and colleagues explore the range of possible sea level rise by 2100 and add vital new data to the estimates currently available. Previously an upper limit, or ‘worst case scenario’, has not been possible to calculate, but this new study now looks beyond the previous data available to provide a more complete picture. The estimate of 180cm as the upper limit is thought to be a low probability, only a 5% chance, but this worst case scenario sea level rise projection cannot be ruled out, given past climate proxy observations and current model limitations. With sea levels continuing to rise in the 21st century, the impact assessment, risk management, adaptation strategy and long-term decision making in coastal areas depend on up to date future projections of sea levels. This work is important step forward, with the latest Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) assessment report indicating sea level projections spanning a likely range (66% increase) only, which means a 1/3 of future sea level rise may ...

The Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST) has obtained observer status at the International Hydrographic Organisation (IHO). As an accredited Non Governmental International Organisation (NGIO), IMarEST will gain access to all IHO events, from hydrographic conferences to working group meetings with observer status allowing IMarEST members to contribute to the Monaco-based organisation's global work and activities. As the world's leading hydrographic authority, the IHO works to advance maritime safety and efficiency, as well as support and protect the marine environment. Established in 1921, it also works with international governments and coastal states to ensure the world's seas, oceans and navigable waters are surveyed and charted. Robert Ward, President of the IHO, said: "We are pleased to welcome IMarEST as an observer organisation. As an accredited Observer Organisation, IMarEST can now participate in the work and meetings of the IHO at all levels. "The global membership of IMarEST provides the IHO with access to a knowledgeable and experienced hydrographic stakeholder community and allows the IMarEST membership to provide valuable input that will assist and guide us in our work." IMarEST's Chief Executive David Loosley,said: "We are delighted to have been elected as a observer organisation to the IHO. It ...