Ocean warming report

The Special Report on the Ocean and Cryosphere in a Changing Climate assesses physical processes and impacts of climate change on ocean, coastal, polar and mountain ecosystems. It also assesses consequences for human communities and options for people to adapt to climate-related changes for a more sustainable future.

The word “cryosphere” – from the Greek kryos, meaning cold or ice – describes the areas of the Earth where water is found in its solid state. This includes ice sheets, frozen lakes and rivers, regions covered by snow, glaciers and frozen soil.

Formally, the draft Summary for Policymakers (SPM) will be considered by the Second Joint Session of IPCC Working Groups I and II. The outcome of the Working Group Session is then submitted to the 51st Session of the IPCC for acceptance.

By Jake Frith