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Module 8: Science and Society
Quick questions on Global climate science and the IPCC: HSC Investigating Science Module 8
15short Q&A pairs drawn directly from our worked dot-point answer. For full context and worked exam questions, read the parent dot-point page.
What is what the IPCC is?Show answer
The IPCC was established in 1988 jointly by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). Membership now includes 195 countries.
What is structure?Show answer
Three working groups address different aspects of climate change.
What is the assessment cycle?Show answer
Every 5 to 7 years, each working group produces an Assessment Report.
What is the Sixth Assessment Report (AR6, 2021 to 2023)?Show answer
The most recent full assessment cycle.
What is australian contributions?Show answer
Australian researchers have been lead authors on every Working Group across every Assessment Report since 1990.
What is why the IPCC model works?Show answer
Comprehensiveness. Every relevant peer-reviewed paper is considered.
What is why the IPCC has been criticised?Show answer
Pace. Five to seven years between reports is slow given the urgency.
What is what happens after a report?Show answer
National policy. Member countries reference IPCC findings in national policy documents. Australia's Climate Change Act 2022 explicitly aligns with IPCC findings.
What is the science-policy gap?Show answer
Despite the IPCC's rigour, actual policy has lagged the scientific findings. Global emissions have continued rising; the world is on track for 2.5 to 3 degrees Celsius warming by 2100 on current policies, not 1.5 or 2 degrees Celsius.
What is other international scientific bodies?Show answer
The IPCC is the most visible but not the only example.
What is the IPCC does not conduct original research?Show answer
Its function is to assess the existing peer-reviewed literature. Researchers around the world publish climate findings; the IPCC synthesises them.
What is working Group I?Show answer
Physical Science Basis. The physics and chemistry of climate change: atmospheric CO2, temperature, ocean heat, ice and sea level.
What is working Group II?Show answer
Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability. How climate change affects ecosystems, agriculture, water, health and human settlements. Adaptation strategies.
What is working Group III?Show answer
Mitigation of Climate Change. Pathways to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, energy transitions, policy options.
What is lead authors?Show answer
Hundreds of climate scientists from member countries are selected as Coordinating Lead Authors (CLAs) and Lead Authors (LAs). The selection follows nomination by countries and IPCC bureau decisions.