The First Lead Author Meeting of the IPCC Special Report on Climate Change and Cities will be held in Osaka, Japan, from March 10 to March 14, 2025.
Nearly 100 experts from over 50 countries will gather to contribute to this report, which aims to address urban climate change challenges.
Hosted by Japan’s Ministry of the Environment, the meeting marks the beginning of the drafting process for the report, set for completion in March 2027.
Experts will assess scientific literature, ensuring coherence across chapters.
“The IPCC Special Report on Climate Change and Cities will provide a foundation for all of us to harness the full potential of our cities in tackling climate change, ensuring that they are resilient, inclusive, and sustainable for generations to come.
“We look forward to the insights that our invited experts will bring to developing a robust and actionable report,” said Winston Chow, Co-Chair of Working Group II.
The IPCC, a UN body established in 1988, provides scientific assessments on climate change to guide policymakers. It consists of three Working Groups: the physical science of climate change (WGI), its impacts and adaptation (WGII), and mitigation strategies (WGIII).
The IPCC’s rigorous assessment process supports global climate negotiations.
The Seventh Assessment Cycle began in 2023, focusing on three Working Group reports and a Synthesis Report due by 2029.
Additionally, a Special Report on Climate Change and Cities and a Methodology Report on Short-lived Climate Forcers will be published in 2027. A revision of adaptation guidelines will also be developed.
The Sixth Assessment Report (2021-2023) provided key insights, including three Working Group contributions and a Synthesis Report. It also featured Special Reports on Global Warming of 1.5°C, Climate Change and Land, and The Ocean and Cryosphere.
These assessments serve as critical references for global climate policy and action.
