Fourth IPCC Assessment Report due in 2007
The Fourth IPCC Assessment Report (AR4) is planned to be completed in 2007. It will maintain the existing working group structure and apply the general structure of previous assessment reports. Mechanisms will be added to facilitate and ensure a better consideration of cross-cutting issues including sustainable development. The representation of experts from developing countries and countries with economies in transition shall be improved as well as the use of non-English literature and a deeper engagement with industry and NGOs.
The first Scoping meeting was held in Marrakech, Morocco from 14-16 April 2003, the second Scoping Meeting was scheduled for 1 - 4 September 2003 in Potsdam, Germany. During these scoping meetings draft outlines of the contributions of Working Group I, II and III to the AR4 were developed. A proposal for an AR4 Synthesis Report was also discussed.
The Panel had also endorsed the use of cross cutting themes in the AR4 and agreed on a preliminary list of seven cross cutting themes. At the scoping meetings ways to ensure that information relevant for cross cutting themes are adequately addressed in the working group contributions were considered. In this context the following concept papers were prepared:
- Uncertainty and risk
- Integration of Mitigation and Adaptation
- Article 2 of the UNFCCC and key vulnerabilities
- Sustainable Development
- Regional Integration
- Water
- Technology
Plenary sessions of the IPCC Working Groups (Vienna, Austria, 4-5 November 2003) will agree on the outlines for the working group contributions to the AR4 and the Panel will subsequently accept the overall outline and workprogramme for the Fourth Assessment Report at its twenty first session in Vienna, Austria, 3 and 6-7 November 2003. Further information can be found on the IPCC web page below.