Commentary: IPCC funding deadlock risks undermining climate preparedness

“The entanglements of climate science and politics is well researched and on full display here. The IPCC plays an integral role in informing governments, businesses and individuals about changes to the climate, helping them understand the risks and plan ahead.

“What concerns me most is the suggestion that these reports should be delayed under the guise of benefiting developing nations, despite a lack of evidence to support this argument.

“The FT article implies that a small number of fossil fuel-dependent governments are seeking to influence the timing of international scientific assessments to serve national interests. Yet delaying the evidence that informs a transition away from fossil fuels does little to prepare those countries for their own futures.

“No science is neutral, but the situation with the IPCC demonstrates the importance of impartial oversight and the need to minimise the politicization of climate science. The priority should be ensuring that the reports are rigorous, inclusive and available when they are needed.”