Second Assessment Report

Second Assessment Report is a comprehensive report published by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) in 1995, building on the findings of the First Assessment Report and providing an updated assessment of climate change and its impacts. The report was authored by over 2,500 experts from more than 120 countries, including Stephen Schneider, Bert Bolin, and John Houghton, and was reviewed by National Academy of Sciences, Royal Society, and other prominent scientific organizations. The report's findings were presented at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development and informed the development of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The report's conclusions were also influenced by the work of James Hansen, Syukuro Manabe, and Roger Revelle, who had previously published research on global warming and sea level rise.

● Introduction

The Second Assessment Report was commissioned by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) to provide an updated assessment of the science, impacts, and mitigation options for climate change. The report was written by three working groups, each focusing on a different aspect of climate change, including the physical science basis, impacts, and mitigation options. The report's authors included experts from National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), and European Space Agency (ESA), as well as researchers from University of Cambridge, University of Oxford, and Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The report's findings were also informed by the work of International Council for Science (ICSU) and the World Health Organization (WHO).

● Background

The Second Assessment Report built on the findings of the First Assessment Report, which was published in 1990 and provided a comprehensive assessment of the science and impacts of climate change. The first report was authored by Bert Bolin, John Houghton, and Gylvan Meira Filho, and was reviewed by National Academy of Sciences and Royal Society. The second report also drew on the findings of other reports, including the Toronto Conference and the Noordwijk Conference, which were organized by United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and World Meteorological Organization (WMO). The report's authors also considered the research of Charles Keeling, Roger Revelle, and Hans Suess, who had previously published studies on carbon dioxide and ocean acidification.

● Summary of Findings

The Second Assessment Report provided a comprehensive assessment of the science, impacts, and mitigation options for climate change. The report's findings included an assessment of the physical science basis of climate change, including the role of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide and methane. The report also examined the impacts of climate change on sea level rise, extreme weather events, and water resources, and considered the potential consequences for human health, agriculture, and ecosystems. The report's authors included experts from National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR), Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), and European Commission (EC), as well as researchers from University of California, Berkeley, University of Chicago, and Columbia University. The report's findings were also informed by the work of International Energy Agency (IEA) and the World Bank.

● Impacts and Vulnerability

The Second Assessment Report examined the potential impacts of climate change on human health, agriculture, and ecosystems. The report's findings included an assessment of the potential consequences of sea level rise for coastal ecosystems and human settlements, as well as the potential impacts of extreme weather events on human health and infrastructure. The report also considered the potential consequences of climate change for water resources, including the potential for droughts and floods. The report's authors included experts from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), as well as researchers from Harvard University, Stanford University, and University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). The report's findings were also informed by the work of World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

● Mitigation and Adaptation

The Second Assessment Report examined the potential options for mitigating and adapting to climate change. The report's findings included an assessment of the potential for renewable energy sources, such as solar energy and wind energy, to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The report also considered the potential for energy efficiency measures, such as insulation and efficient lighting, to reduce energy consumption. The report's authors included experts from International Energy Agency (IEA), European Commission (EC), and United States Department of Energy (DOE), as well as researchers from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), California Institute of Technology (Caltech), and Carnegie Mellon University. The report's findings were also informed by the work of World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) and the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC).

● Conclusion

The Second Assessment Report provided a comprehensive assessment of the science, impacts, and mitigation options for climate change. The report's findings have informed the development of climate change policy at the international level, including the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Kyoto Protocol. The report's authors included experts from National Academy of Sciences, Royal Society, and other prominent scientific organizations, and the report's findings have been widely cited in the scientific literature. The report's conclusions were also influenced by the work of Al Gore, Gro Harlem Brundtland, and Maurice Strong, who have been prominent advocates for climate change action. The report's findings have also informed the work of Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), and World Meteorological Organization (WMO).

Category:Climate change reports