Berkeley scientists to help author international climate change report

Six Berkeley faculty members - Max Auffhammer, Bob Cervero, Bill Collins, Michael Hanemann, Richard Norgaard, and Kirk Smith - are among 800-plus experts selected by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) to write its fifth comprehensive climate-change report. Lee Schipper at the campus's Global Metropolitan Studies program was also named.

The IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) announced on June 23, 2010 the release of the final list of selected Coordinating Lead Authors, Lead Authors and Review Editors. This unique team of 831 climate change experts will dedicate almost four years to the three Working Group Reports of the IPCC Fifth Assessment Report (AR5) to be published between 2013 and 2014. These experts will also provide contributions to the Synthesis Report to be published in 2014.

In the selection of authors particular attention has been given to relevant expertise to ensure that IPCC author teams consist of leading experts in the respective fields with a range of scientific views on climate change. The 831 individuals are drawn from fields including meteorology, physics, oceanography, statistics, engineering, ecology, social sciences and economics. In selecting the author teams the IPCC stressed the need for regional and gender balance and recognized the importance of involving new and younger authors. In total 831 experts will contribute to the AR5, divided between the three working groups (WG). WGI focuses on the physical science basis and will include 258 experts. WGII assesses the impacts, adaptation strategies and vulnerability related to climate change and will involve 302 experts. WGIII covers mitigation response strategies in an integrated risk and uncertainty framework and its assessments will be carried out by 271 experts.

In March 2010, the IPCC received approximately 3,000 nominations. At the Bureau session held in Geneva, 19-20 May 2010, the three working groups presented their selected authors and review editors for the AR5. Each of the selected scientists, specialists and experts was nominated in accordance with IPCC procedures, by respective national IPCC Focal-Points, by approved observer organizations, or by the Bureau.

In comparison to the Fourth Assessment Report (AR4), participation from developing countries has been increased reflecting the on-going efforts to improve regional coverage in the AR5. About 30% of authors will come from developing countries or economies in transition. The proportion of female experts, has significantly increased since the AR4, reaching approximately 25% of the selected authors. More than 60% of the experts chosen are new to the IPCC process, which will bring in new knowledge and perspectives.

The IPCC received 50% more nominations of experts to participate in AR5 than it did for AR4. A total of 559 authors and review editors had been selected for AR4 from 2,000 proposed nominees.

"This increase reflects the high regard of the IPCC's work within the scientific community", said Dr. Rajendra Pachauri, Chairman of the IPCC. "The IPCC is very grateful to all those scientists, specialists and experts who will give their time freely to participate in the work of AR5."

For any further detail, please contact:
Ms. Isabel Garcia-Gill,
Senior Communication and Media Relations Programme Manager
IPCC Secretariat,
T. +4122 730 85 08 or by email at IPCC-Media@wmo.int