IPCC develops strategic response to impact of COVID-19 on work programme
During the current global public health crisis, the IPCC Secretariat and Technical Support Units continue to operate remotely.
The IPCC has been monitoring the COVID-19 pandemic and related measures undertaken by governments. We support the strong and swift action undertaken worldwide, but note this has serious implications for the timely completion of the IPCC’s Sixth Assessment Report.
Among these is the ability of IPCC authors, who volunteer their time and expertise to the IPCC, to continue to work to the agreed schedule, and experts and governments, who provide essential feedback on draft reports, to undertake their reviews. The IPCC leadership is well aware of the additional challenges faced by many working from home, from caring for loved ones and communities to managing their main employment in changed conditions, including the effort to move teaching online and pursue research, modelling and observation programmes. We are very grateful for their unprecedented efforts to support the work of the IPCC.
The IPCC is consulting with authors, member governments and other stakeholders to inform a strategic response to the pandemic. This includes reviewing the timing and format of Lead Author Meetings and other activities in the coming months and the schedule for delivery of the Sixth Assessment Report.