The Australian Government has commenced the government review of the latest draft of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s (IPCC) Fifth Assessment Report.
The IPCC reviews the most up to date scientific, technical and socio-economic research available internationally to ensure its Assessment Reports present an objective and complete assessment of current information.
Climate Change Minister Greg Combet said IPCC Assessment Reports are a vital reference and evidence base for policy considerations on climate change by governments around the world.
“Scientists have advised that the world is warming and high levels of carbon pollution risk environmental and economic damage," he said.
“Some of the latest evidence has come in recent weeks from the National Snow and Ice Data Centre in the United States.
"The Centre’s observations revealed that Arctic sea ice melted to its lowest extent in 30 years this northern summer."
The first of three IPCC Working Group draft reports, on the Physical Science Basis of Climate Change, is currently undergoing review by experts and governments.
The Australian Government review of the draft Report will take an open and comprehensive approach and will draw on comments provided by experts, State and Territory governments, industry groups and research organisations.
This will ensure the Report represents the current state of knowledge on climate change, informs Australian Government policy development and incorporates Australian research.
The final Fifth Assessment Report, comprised of the three separate reports, will be released throughout 2013-14.
For further information on the review process: www.climatechange.gov.au/ipcc
