UN’s IPCC seeks regional expertise to better address climate vulnerabilities.
Two prominent scientists from Singapore and Malaysia, Professors Winston Chow and Joy Jacqueline Pereira, are advocating for increased participation of South-East Asian experts in the next phase of reports by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). Their goal is to integrate localized solutions into the global fight against climate change.
Why South-East Asian Voices Matter
Prof Chow, co-chair of the IPCC Working Group II, highlighted the under-representation of South-East Asian data in IPCC reports. He emphasized the unique climate challenges in the region, such as rising humid heat, tropical cyclones, and land subsidence, which exacerbate the impacts of sea-level rise.
Dr. Pereira, co-chair of Working Group III, pointed out the necessity for action-oriented solutions. She stressed the importance of moving beyond research gaps, stating, “We want actions, solutions – how can we make things happen and accelerate climate action?”
Collaborative Efforts and Challenges
At a dialogue held on 24/10/2024, over 140 regional experts joined Prof Chow and Dr. Pereira to discuss contributions to the IPCC’s seventh assessment cycle (2023–2029). The event coincided with Tropical Storm Trami, which devastated parts of the Philippines, underscoring the urgency for local expertise in global climate discussions.
The co-chairs urged participation from a broader range of disciplines, including sociology, economics, and law, to better address multifaceted climate issues. However, challenges such as limited data access and lack of institutional support for contributors remain barriers.
Towards Action-Oriented Reporting
The seventh assessment cycle aims to streamline the traditionally voluminous IPCC reports and focus on actionable solutions. Both scientists called for universities and governments to value and support researchers contributing to these global efforts.
Prof Chow concluded, “We need South-East Asian perspectives to shape global strategies, ensuring no region is left behind in climate resilience.”
