The 6th Assessment Report AR6 published recently by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change IPCC has conveyed a very clear message: The climate crisis is already a reality, many of the predictions climate scientists made in the past are coming decades before predicted. And AR6 has become even more precise as it focuses for the first time not only on global, but also on regional changes, thus giving an even more precise outlook to what the world expects if mankind doesnt act fast enough.

One reason why there is now a stronger focus on regional aspects is that the IPCC has become more inclusive, with more and more experts contributing also the perspective of the so-called developing world. A very prominent example is our guest Muhammad Irfan Tariq who joined the Government of Pakistan in 1991 and has been involved in the climate negotiations since the Rio Summit in 1992. Subsequently, he served in important positions, including as Director General at the Ministry for Climate Change. In that role, he was also the National Focal Point for United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and Vice Chair of the IPCC Working Group-II.

Stefan and Janine will discuss the AR6 report with Muhammaed Tariq aiming at getting a better understanding of the IPCC’s work and how it has evolved in the light of the escalating climate crisis. What does AR6 tell us with regard to how different parts of the earth are affected in very different ways and what does this mean for the need not only to combat climate change effectively but also to show international solidarity with the most vulnerable countries?