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illuminem summarizes for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on The Washington Post or enjoy below:
🗞️ Driving the news: The Trump administration has blocked key U.S. contributions to the next Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report, expected in 2029
• Federal scientists, including NASA’s chief climate adviser, have been barred from attending a crucial IPCC meeting in China
• NASA also canceled its contract with a team coordinating U.S. efforts, disrupting a third of the upcoming report’s development
🔭 The context: The IPCC is the UN’s leading climate body, synthesizing global research on climate change and mitigation
• Since its last report in 2023, global temperatures have hit record highs, with 2024 marking the first full year above 1.5°C warming
• The U.S. has traditionally played a major role in the IPCC process, providing key scientific and diplomatic support
🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Without U.S. participation, the IPCC’s ability to assess and guide climate action may be significantly weakened
• The blocked contributions focus on climate mitigation strategies, crucial for reducing emissions and combating global warming
• Delays or disruptions in the IPCC process could hinder global climate policy decisions
⏭️ What's next: The IPCC's upcoming report may face setbacks if key chapters and author selections are delayed
• It remains unclear whether Katherine Calvin, NASA’s senior climate adviser, will be able to continue in her role as an IPCC co-chair
• International climate negotiations may also be affected by the lack of U.S. involvement
💬 One quote: “The U.S. government is throwing a heavy amount of sand in the gears.” — Michael Oppenheimer, Princeton University professor and longtime IPCC contributor
📈 One stat: Last year was the first in which global temperatures remained 1.5°C above preindustrial levels, surpassing a critical climate threshold
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