IPCC Chief Skea: Other Nations Must Fill US Funding Gap
Jim Skea, President of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), addressed the financial and operational challenges arising from the United States' withdrawal of government funding and participation. Speaking in Rome, Skea confirmed that while the US government has ceased contributions to the IPCC Trust Fund, the panel's work continues with support from other nations and philanthropic foundations financing over 50 US scientists. Skea is actively soliciting increased funding from other member states, including Italy, to cover the deficit, noting that similar gaps occurred during the first Trump administration. He outlined the timeline for upcoming reports, with a special report on cities due in March 2027 and main scientific assessments in mid-2028. Skea also addressed political tensions, refuting claims by US officials that climate change is merely an 'elite belief,' reaffirming it as established scientific fact. He acknowledged diplomatic delays in report finalization, balancing European desires for timely data with developing nations' needs for capacity building, emphasizing that science informs but does not dictate policy.
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IPCC Chief Skea: Other Nations Must Fill US Funding Gap
Jim Skea, President of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), addressed the financial and operational challenges arising from the United States' withdrawal of government funding and participation. Speaking in Rome, Skea confirmed that while the US government has ceased contributions to the IPCC Trust Fund, the panel's work continues with support from other nations and philanthropic foundations financing over 50 US scientists. Skea is actively soliciting increased funding from other member states, including Italy, to cover the deficit, noting that similar gaps occurred during the first Trump administration. He outlined the timeline for upcoming reports, with a special report on cities due in March 2027 and main scientific assessments in mid-2028. Skea also addressed political tensions, refuting claims by US officials that climate change is merely an 'elite belief,' reaffirming it as established scientific fact. He acknowledged diplomatic delays in report finalization, balancing European desires for timely data with developing nations' needs for capacity building, emphasizing that science informs but does not dictate policy.
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