Nations failed to finalize when the IPCC will release its next climate change assessment, leading to disappointment among environmental advocates. Many countries wanted a quicker timeline for feedback ahead of a 2028 UN review, while major polluters pushed back. The talks concluded with no set delivery deadline, raising concerns about timely responses to climate challenges.
Nations could not reach a consensus regarding the schedule for the United Nations’ forthcoming assessment of climate change during a prolonged meeting in China, which U.S. representatives did not attend. The main concern was whether the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) would complete its next three-part assessment before a significant 2028 UN review of the global response to climate change.
Both affluent nations and those affected by climate change advocated for an expedited timeline for report release, believing updated scientific data is crucial for policymaking. However, some major polluters, including India and China, opposed this accelerated schedule, preferring to delay the assessment.
The negotiations in Hangzhou extended beyond the anticipated timeframe, culminating late on a Saturday night with no definitive deadline for the report’s completion. Zhe Yao from Greenpeace East Asia expressed displeasure at the outcome, arguing that the deadlock benefits entities hindering climate action while vulnerable countries urgently require solutions.
In summary, the recent UN climate talks in China highlighted the stark division among nations regarding climate action timelines. The absence of key representatives, particularly from the U.S., has raised concerns about the effectiveness of global climate policy. As urgency increases, the need for timely and scientifically grounded assessments becomes more critical for addressing climate change impacts worldwide.
Original Source: www.manilatimes.net
