This IPCC Special Report on the Ocean and Cryosphere in a Changing Climate (SROCC), is the third Special Report to be produced in the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s (IPCC) Sixth Assessment Report (AR6) cycle. SROCC is unique because – for the first time – the IPCC has produced an in-depth report examining the farthest corners of the Earth – from the highest mountains and remote polar regions to the deepest oceans. The report finds that even and especially in these places, human-caused climate change is evident. These changes show that the world’s ocean and cryosphere have been ‘taking the heat’ for climate change for decades. The consequences for nature and humanity are sweeping and severe. This report highlights the urgency of timely, ambitious, coordinated, and enduring action.
SROCC was jointly prepared by Working Groups I and II, and provides the latest state of knowledge on the ocean and cryosphere in a changing climate. It focuses on changes to mountain cryosphere, polar regions and ecosystems, sea level rise and coastal extremes, ocean and marine life, as well as providing key information to enable action at all scales and to manage risks and build resilience through adaptation for the benefit of ecosystems and human societies. The report highlights the observed and projected changes in the ocean and cryosphere, the associated impacts and risks for human societies and ecosystems, as well as assessing a range of response options and adaption measures. SROCC clearly presents the level of risks and the limits of adaptation for high emission scenarios and thereby the benefits of ambitious and effective adaptation for sustainable development. It highlights the importance of irreversible and committed changes on timescales of decades to centuries. It stresses the urgency of near-term action to reduce risks also by reducing emissions of greenhouse gases, strengthening findings from the SR15 and SRCCL reports.
The IPCC provides policymakers with regular scientific assessments on climate change, its impacts and risks, as well as adaptation and mitigation options. Since it was established jointly in 1988 by the World Meteorological Organisation and the United Nations Environment Programme, the IPCC has produced a series of Assessment Reports,
Petteri Taalas
Secretary-General
World Meteorological Organisation
More: https://www.ipcc.ch/srocc/