Contribution to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
Overview
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) brings together many of the world's leading scientists to conduct comprehensive assessments of the current state of knowledge on climate change, its physical science basis, impacts and future risks, and options for adaptation and mitigation. The IPCC publishes its assessments in reports that are extensively reviewed by both the scientific community and governments from around the world.
Canada has been an active participant in the IPCC since its establishment. Many Canadian experts from government, universities, Indigenous organizations, the private sector and other organizations make significant contributions to the preparation of IPCC assessment reports. Canada contributes to the leadership of the IPCC with a member on the IPCC Bureau.
Environment and Climate Change Canada, as the hub for climate change science and research in Canada, is a prominent contributor to the IPCC. Environment and Climate Change Canada's scientists have served lead roles in each of the IPCC's comprehensive assessment reports. Environment and Climate Change Canada's climate change science and research activities also contribute to the international body of data and knowledge that is assessed by the IPCC in its reports. For example, Environment and Climate Change Canada's Climate Research Division develops computer models of the climate system that are used to project future climate in Canada and globally. The analysis of historical climate and future scenarios was a significant Canadian contribution to globally-coordinated science for the IPCC's most recent Assessment Report (Sixth Assessment Report). Scientists from other federal departments and agencies are also active contributors to assessments of the IPCC.
Canada's Focal Point to the IPCC is Marc D'Iorio, Assistant Deputy Minister of the Science and Technology Branch at Environment and Climate Change Canada. The Focal Point serves as the central point of contact in Canada to connect the IPCC with the Canadian scientific community and the Government of Canada. Main responsibilities of IPCC Focal Points include representing Canada at IPCC meetings, submitting expert nominations for IPCC activities, and coordinating integrated government comments on IPCC reports. If you are interested in being notified of calls for nominations for IPCC activities, please contact ipcc-giec.canada@ec.gc.ca.