IPCC meets in Ethiopia to resolve climate report timeline impasse

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) is convening its 65th Plenary Session in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from October 12 to 16, 2026. The meeting, hosted by the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa and the Ethiopian government, aims to resolve a long-standing impasse regarding the timeline for the 7th assessment report (AR7).

There is significant disagreement among member nations over the publication schedule. Vulnerable and low-income countries are advocating for an expedited process to ensure the report is available for the COP32 Global Stocktake. Conversely, a group of emerging economies and oil-producing nations is pushing to delay the first publications until 2029. This group argues that a delay is necessary to ensure greater participation and technical review from scientists in the Global South, citing the need for equity in the scientific process.

The outcome of these discussions is critical, as the IPCC's ability to provide timely scientific data directly influences international climate negotiations and the implementation of the Paris Agreement.