site.btaUN Climate Change Panel Agrees on Outlines for Methodology Report on Short-Lived Climate Forcers

After seven days of robust deliberations, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) concluded its 61st session, which took place here between July 27 and August 2, as reported on the Earth Negotiations Bulletin website. Among other outcomes, the Panel successfully reached consensus on the outlines for the methodology report on short-lived climate forcers and the Special Report on Cities and Climate Change.

IPCC Chair Jim Skea said in an interview for BTA on July 27 that producing a special report on climate change and cities and working on a methodology report for estimating emissions of short-lived climate forcers were among the goals of the forum.

The Panel also agreed to postpone further consideration of its strategic plan, including the schedule for delivery of the three Working Group reports, until after the scoping meeting for these reports. The Panel agreed to take a decision on the scope, outline, and work plan, including the schedule and budget, at its next plenary session.

IPCC Secretary Abdalah Mokssit reported that the next session of the expert group will be in the fourth week of February 2025. The next host city will be announced soon.

In his closing remarks, Skea said that it had been a pleasure during some of the time and a challenge at other times to chair the forum. He added that in the end, consensus was reached at the cost of considerable effort.

Caretaker Minister of Environment and Water Petar Dimitrov said he hopes that the results of the forum will be clearly heard during the COP29 meeting in Azerbaijan in November.