The United Nations body responsible for assessing climate change science, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), is set to choose a new leader this week. The elected chair will serve for the next five to seven critical years, during which temperatures are expected to reach 1.5 degrees Celsius above preindustrial levels. Among the four candidates vying for the top position in Nairobi, history will be made as the first women candidates participate in the IPCC's 35-year existence.
The Candidates:
Jean-Pascal van Ypersele (Belgium): A physicist actively involved with the IPCC since 1995, van Ypersele is running for the top position for the second time. He is a nature lover and has emphasized climate justice, aiming to make IPCC's messages more relevant for policymakers. Thelma Krug (Brazil): A mathematician and the first female IPCC vice-chair in 2015, Krug was inspired to run due to President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva's commitment to addressing climate change. If elected, she would strive to increase regional representation and promote science in languages other than English. Debra Roberts (South Africa): A natural scientist and the current co-chair of the IPCC group on climate change's impacts, Roberts is one of two female candidates. She brings extensive practical experience, including urban reforestation, and would be the first African chair if elected. Jim Skea (United Kingdom): A sustainable energy professor with a 30-year history with IPCC, Skea emphasizes the importance of addressing overshoot scenarios and exploring mitigation options through technology. He highlights his track record in forging consensus in negotiations.
Importance of IPCC Chair:
The IPCC plays a crucial role in producing objective and comprehensive reports, considered the most authoritative source of scientific knowledge on climate change. The chair, along with the bureau, can shape the research agenda and influence international climate talks. The role requires a unique combination of scientific and diplomatic skills to gain government approval for report summaries.
Voting Process:
The chair's election is conducted via secret ballot, and a simple majority is needed for a candidate to win. If no candidate achieves a majority in the first round, the top two contenders proceed to a further round. All 195 member states have a vote, and the results are expected to be announced on Wednesday or Thursday.
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