Global, 26 July 2023 - Today, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the United Nations body for assessing the science related to climate change, elected Jim Skea as the new Chair. Skea, from the United Kingdom, is a Professor of Sustainable Energy at Imperial College in London and Chairman of Scotland's Just Transition Commission, with nearly 40 years of climate science experience and expertise, and will lead the IPCC through its seventh assessment cycle. He was elected by 90 votes to 69 in a run-off with Thelma Krug, from Brazil.

During the IPCC’s sixth assessment cycle, completed in March 2023, Skea was the Co-Chair of Working Group III, assessing the mitigation of climate change. Key findings of the AR6 Synthesis Report are that human activity, particularly the burning of fossil fuels, is driving unprecedented changes in our planet’s climate, resulting in rising temperatures, sea level rise, and more frequent and intense weather events. These changes significantly impact ecosystems, food systems, and human health and well-being.

Alex Rafalowicz, Executive Director of the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative, said: “We welcome the election of Jim Skea as the new IPCC chair, and we take this moment to reaffirm the unique role of science as an unwavering compass in our collective fight against climate change. Given his extensive experience in guiding just transitions, we are confident that the new IPCC Chair will adeptly shine a spotlight on the urgent need to phase out fossil fuels. Under his stewardship, we anticipate that the scientific community will underscore the paramount importance of conducting this transition in a manner that is both fair and equitable. This commitment must ensure that no community is left behind as we collectively embark on our journey towards a more sustainable future to protect our ecosystems, communities, and the global economy. We also reaffirm our commitment to continue collaborating with the IPCC as civil society, on finding evidence-based solutions to this crisis.”

Media Contacts

Nathalia Clark
Communications Director, Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty (Brazil)
nathalia@fossilfueltreaty.org
+55 61 99137 1229