Special Report on the Ocean and Cryosphere in a Changing Climate

The Special Report on the Ocean and Cryosphere in a Changing Climate (SROCC) assesses new knowledge since the IPCC 5th Assessment Report (AR5) and the Special Report on Global Warming of 1.5°C (SR1.5) on how the ocean and cryosphere have and are expected to change with ongoing global warming, the risks and opportunities these changes bring to ecosystems and people, and mitigation, adaptation and governance options for reducing future risks.

The SROCC follows the other two Special Reports on Global Warming of 1.5°C (SR1.5) and on Climate Change and Land (SRCCL) and the Intergovernmental Science Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) Global Assessment Report on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services.

The Summary for Policymakers (SPM) compiles key findings of the report and is structured in three parts: (i) Observed changes and impacts, (ii) Projected changes and risks, (iii) Implementing Responses to Ocean and Cryosphere Change.

The Special Report on the Ocean and Cryosphere in a Changing Climate was prepared under the joint scientific leadership of Working Group I and Working Group II, with operational support from the Working Group II Technical Support Unit. The IPCC approved and accepted the Report at its 51st Session held on 20 – 23 September 2019. The approved Summary for Policymakers (SPM) was presented at a press conference on 25 September 2019.