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IPCC dispute over climate report publication timeline

Updated 5 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

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2026-10-18 07:41 UTC → 2026-10-24 10:25 UTC · added ~~removed~~

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) remains in a deadlock following its 65th Plenary Session in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, regarding the publication schedule for the 7th assessment report (AR7). A group of approximately 30 nations, including several European, Latin American, and small island states, is pushing for a 2028 release. This timing is viewed as critical to ensure scientific findings are available to inform UN climate negotiations in November 2028, when governments will assess progress toward Paris Agreement goals. In opposition, a bloc including China, Russia, India, Saudi Arabia, and Kenya is advocating for a delay until 2029. These nations argue that an extended timeline is necessary to allow researchers from developing countries, who often face limited financial and human resources, to contribute more meaningfully to the assessments. Critics have suggested these delays might be intended to “reduce political pressure on the fossil fuel industry.” The meeting concluded without an agreement, leaving the 195 member states divided. Beyond the timeline dispute, the session faced significant friction regarding organizational finances. Efforts by IPCC Chair Jim Skea to secure approval for the 2027 budget were reportedly blocked by delegations from India and Saudi Arabia, leaving the funding necessary for international scientific work in a state of uncertainty. New developments indicate the organization is facing a potential financial crisis, exacerbated by a loss of support from the United States, which has contributed to a projected budget deficit that threatens the IPCC’s long-term viability. Due to the lack of consensus, Chair Jim Skea suspended the meeting to protect the inclusivity of the process. Both the AR7 timeline and the budget issues remain ~~unresolved and are expected to be addressed at the earliest possible opportunity.~~ unresolved.

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