Working Group II

Working Group II is a component of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), which is the leading international body for the assessment of climate change and its impacts. The IPCC was established by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) to provide scientific, technical, and socio-economic advice to the world community. Working Group II focuses on the vulnerability of human systems and natural systems to climate change, as well as the potential adaptation and mitigation strategies. This group works closely with other IPCC working groups, including Working Group I and Working Group III, to provide a comprehensive understanding of climate change.

Introduction to Working Group II

Working Group II is responsible for assessing the impacts of climate change on human health, food security, water resources, and ecosystems, including coral reefs, forests, and polar regions. The group's work is informed by the latest research from institutions such as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), and the European Space Agency (ESA). Working Group II also collaborates with other international organizations, including the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations. The group's assessments are based on the latest scientific research, including studies published in journals such as Nature, Science, and the Journal of Climate.

History and Mandate

The IPCC was established in 1988 by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), with the mandate to provide scientific advice to policymakers on climate change. Working Group II was formed as part of the IPCC's initial structure, with the first assessment report published in 1990. The group's mandate is to assess the impacts of climate change on human systems and natural systems, and to evaluate the potential adaptation and mitigation strategies. The group's work is guided by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Paris Agreement, which aim to limit global warming to well below 2°C and pursue efforts to limit it to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. The group's assessments are also informed by the work of other international organizations, including the International Energy Agency (IEA) and the World Bank.

Organization and Membership

Working Group II is composed of experts from around the world, including climate scientists, ecologists, economists, and social scientists. The group is led by a chair and vice-chairs, who are elected by the IPCC Plenary. The group's membership includes representatives from over 100 countries, including China, United States, European Union, India, and Brazil. The group also includes observers from international organizations, such as the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The group's work is supported by a technical support unit, which is hosted by the University of Geneva and the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zurich).

Key Activities and Reports

Working Group II has published several assessment reports, including the First Assessment Report (1990), the Second Assessment Report (1995), the Third Assessment Report (2001), the Fourth Assessment Report (2007), and the Fifth Assessment Report (2014). The group's most recent report, the Special Report on Global Warming of 1.5°C (2018), provided a comprehensive assessment of the impacts of global warming of 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. The group's reports are based on a thorough review of the scientific literature, including research published in journals such as Environmental Research Letters, Climatic Change, and the Journal of Applied Meteorology and Climatology. The group's work is also informed by the latest research from institutions such as the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) and the Max Planck Institute for Meteorology.

Impact and Influence

The work of Working Group II has had a significant impact on international climate policy, including the development of the Paris Agreement and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The group's assessments have also informed national and local climate policies, including the development of climate adaptation plans and climate mitigation strategies. The group's work has been recognized by several international organizations, including the Nobel Peace Prize (2007), which was awarded to the IPCC and Al Gore for their efforts to build up and disseminate greater knowledge about climate change. The group's work has also been recognized by the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, which has awarded the group's chair, Chris Field, the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation Award for his contributions to the understanding of climate change. The group's assessments have been widely cited in the scientific literature, including in journals such as Nature Climate Change and the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.