Summary for Policymakers - AR6 Synthesis Report

This Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report synthesises scientific evidence from its Sixth Assessment Report, examining the causes, consequences and future risks of climate change. It confirms that human activities, principally greenhouse gas emissions, have unequivocally caused global warming, with widespread impacts on natural ecosystems and human societies.

The report examines increasing risks to human health, food and water security, biodiversity, infrastructure and livelihoods, highlighting the disproportionate impacts on vulnerable populations. It explores future warming scenarios, adaptation limits and the potential for irreversible environmental changes.

The assessment identifies opportunities to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, strengthen climate resilience and support sustainable development through coordinated action across sectors. It emphasises that rapid, sustained emissions reductions and accelerated adaptation are essential to limiting future harm, while decisions made during this decade will have consequences for generations.

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Citation: Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). Summary for Policymakers. In: Climate Change 2023: Synthesis Report. Contribution of Working Groups I, II and III to the Sixth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Lee H, Romero J, editors. Geneva: IPCC; 2023. p. 1–34. https://doi.org/10.59327/IPCC/AR6-9789291691647.001