IPCC expert warns: Climate change is accelerating dramatically!

IPCC expert warns: Climate change is accelerating dramatically!

Climate change remains a central topic in the global discussion. Today, September 5, 2025, it was announced that the seventh assessment report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) is expected to be published at the end of 2029. This message comes from the University of Münster, where Prof. Dr. David De Vleeschouwer was appointed lead author of Working Group I “The Physical Science Basis”. He is responsible for the chapter that deals with large-scale changes in the climate system and their causes. De Vleeschouwer has been Junior Professor of Earth System Research at the university since January 2022 and brings valuable knowledge to current climate research as he emphasizes the importance of Earth's history for understanding current climate changes.

His focus on the rapid and intense warming that is occurring compared to previous natural climate changes highlights the urgency of his work. According to his statements, tipping points in the climate system, triggered by large amounts of meltwater from Arctic ice sheets, can have far-reaching consequences. The IPCC serves as a globally recognized United Nations body that brings together the current scientific knowledge on climate change. The seventh report will provide a comprehensive summary of global knowledge, including physical and chemical fundamentals, observed changes and future projections.

Global teamwork for climate protection

Creating the report requires immense global teamwork. The IPCC has appointed 664 experts from 111 countries for the seventh assessment report. The experts are currently working together in regular online meetings and revising extensive texts. These collected findings are intended to provide a clear basis for political decisions. De Vleeschouwer also calls for clear rules and ambitious reduction targets from political actors, some of whom prioritize climate protection. It also underlines the need to promote CO₂ sequestration technologies.

The concept of the global “carbon budget” for CO2 emissions, which has become increasingly established in climate science and policy over the last decade, is given special consideration in the IPCC assessment process. Originally popularized by the IPCC Fifth Assessment Report, the carbon budget significantly influences public perceptions of climate change. It is used to determine optimal future emission rates and to set a fixed limit on allowable emissions. This topic is also examined in scientific articles that deal with the effects of changes in climate policy and analyze the role of science in this interaction.

Growing importance of IPCC reports

Each cycle, the IPCC produces assessment reports and several special reports that address specific issues related to climate change. These reports typically consist of several thousand pages and often include several volumes as well as a synthesis report that summarizes the most important information. The latest publication covers the scientific basis of climate change, understanding the vulnerability of socio-economic and natural systems, and policy measures to mitigate climate change. The synthesis report will also incorporate information from special reports and is intended as an important basis for international climate negotiations.

The IPCC reports are subject to a transparent production process that involves close cooperation between member states and experts. As a rule, the reports are divided into up to 20 chapters and contain technical summaries as well as a summary for policy makers. The English originals are available free of charge on the IPCC website, while printed versions can be requested from the IPCC Secretariat.

The work in the IPCC not only represents an important scientific undertaking, but also reflects the interdisciplinary nature and challenges of current climate research.

For more information about the IPCC reports and their background, visit the website German IPCC Commission, which accompanies the developments of the process. The article provides a detailed analysis of the carbon budget PubMed.

For the latest news and research on climate change, follow updates at University of Münster.