A prolonged dispute within the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) over the timetable for its next scientific assessments is raising concerns about the evidence available to policymakers ahead of the 2028 UN climate summit.
The reports, traditionally published every five to seven years, help governments assess climate risks and shape decisions on emissions, adaptation and climate finance. The current disagreement reflects wider tensions among member states over participation, responsibility and the pace of climate action.
Supporters of a faster timetable warn that delays could leave negotiations relying on older assessments, while some countries argue that the process must allow adequate participation and address gaps in the evidence. Discussions scheduled for next week in Addis Ababa could prove important for determining whether the timeline can be maintained.
