IPCC faces financial and political crisis after Ethiopia meeting

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) is facing a significant crisis following its annual meeting in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The gathering, which included representatives from 195 countries, ended without consensus on the timeline for the seventh assessment report (AR7) or the organization's budget.

Disagreements over the publication date have created a divide between nations advocating for urgency and those seeking delays. Proponents, including several European countries and small island states, aim to have the report completed by 2028 to provide a scientific basis for the UN climate conference that year. Conversely, countries such as Saudi Arabia, China, India, and Russia have called for a delay until 2029, citing the need for more time for developing nations to contribute.

In addition to political friction, the IPCC faces a potential financial crisis. The loss of support from the United States has contributed to a projected budget deficit that threatens the organization's long-term viability. IPCC Chair Jim Skea suspended the meeting to ensure inclusivity for delegates from developing nations who needed to depart, leaving the critical discussions on funding and reporting timelines unresolved.