IPCC presents climate change findings in Russia

MOSCOW, Sept 16 – Experts from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) will outline the findings of their Fifth Assessment Report (AR5) and how to limit and adapt to climate change at an IPCC outreach event in Moscow to be held at the Hotel Borodino on Tuesday 22 September.

AR5 found the world has the means to limit global warming and build a more prosperous, sustainable future, including through adaptation to the changing climate.

A press conference with IPCC experts will also take place at the International Information Agency “RUSSIA TODAY” at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday 22 September. This will form part of the outreach event attended by policymakers, practitioners, scientists, civil society representatives and media from Russia and countries of the Commonwealth of the Independent States (CIS). A workshop for media will be held at the Hotel Borodino on Monday 21 September.

Russia and the CIS countries are diverse in regard to geography and natural and economic conditions. They affect the climate in different ways and vary in their vulnerability to climate change., noted Alexander Frolov, Head of Russia’s Federal Service for Hydrometeorology and Environmental Monitoring (Roshydromet), which is hosting the event.

“Decision-makers in our countries are interested in a comprehensive, scientifically based and politically neutral assessment of the causes and consequences of observed and future changes in climate that target an efficient use of adaptation options and the potential to mitigate impacts on the climate system,” Frolov said. “The IPCC provides a scientific basis for the development of national strategies and measures for adaptation to and mitigation of negative consequences of climate change as well as for advancing the international negotiations on stabilization of the global climate system,” he added,

Limiting climate change requires substantial and sustained reductions of greenhouse gas emissions and although AR5 found a considerable increase in global action to curb greenhouse gases since the IPCC’s previous report, emissions are continuing to rise and more action is required.

“The climate changes that have already occurred have had widespread and consequential impacts. Despite positive impacts, e.g., increases in crop yields in the mid-latitudes in some regions and improvement of navigation conditions along the Northern Sea Route, future warming will create multiple risks for natural and economic systems, and human health,” said Sergey Semenov, vice-chair of IPCC Working Group II and one of the speakers at the event.

“Issues of concern in Northern Eurasia include intensified heat events, exacerbation of wildfires, sea coast erosion, and degradation of permafrost. Effective responses can combine adaptation and mitigation with inclusive sustainable development, strengthening economies and enriching societies,” he said.

FOR MEDIA ASSISTANCE:

For further information, contact:

IPCC Press Office, Email: ipcc-media@wmo.int
Jonathan Lynn, +41 22 730 8066
Werani Zabula, +41 22 730 8120
Nina Peeva,+41 79 704 2459

Roshydromet Press Office: press@mecom.ru
Irina Smetanina +7 499 795 22 75

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) is the world body for assessing the science related to climate change. The IPCC was set up in 1988 by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), endorsed by the United Nations General Assembly, to provide policymakers with regular assessments of the scientific basis of climate change, its impacts and future risks, and options for adaptation and mitigation.

It released the Fifth Assessment Report (AR5) in four stages over 2013 and 2014, finishing with the AR5 Synthesis Report in November 2014.

The key findings of the Synthesis Report are:

• Human influence on the climate system is clear;
• The more we disrupt our climate, the more we risk severe, pervasive and irreversible impacts; and
• We have the means to limit climate change and build a more prosperous, sustainable future.

For details of the Moscow event please click here: http://ipcc.ch/apps/outreach/eventinfo.php?q=303

NT3