First report of the seventh assessment cycle to spotlight urban climate challenges and solutions, slated for release in 2027
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has officially opened registration for experts to serve as reviewers of the First-Order Draft (FOD) of its Special Report on Climate Change and Cities, a milestone publication that will shape global climate policy for urban areas.
Following the Second Lead Author Meeting held in August 2025, the draft has been prepared by nearly 100 contributing authors. From 17 October to 12 December 2025, experts worldwide will have the opportunity to review the draft and provide feedback to ensure scientific accuracy, inclusivity, and relevance. Registration closes on 30 November 2025.
The report, scheduled for release in March 2027, marks the first publication of IPCC’s seventh assessment cycle and stands as the only special report in this phase. Its focus on cities reflects the growing urgency to understand climate impacts in rapidly urbanizing regions, where over half of the world’s population resides and where vulnerabilities to extreme weather events are intensifying.
IPCC Co-Chair of Working Group II, Winston Chow, emphasized the importance of broad participation:
“We sincerely invite members of the urban community to provide comments to ensure this report reflects the latest science and is relevant to urban practitioners worldwide.”
His colleague, Bart van den Hurk, underscored the value of diverse perspectives:
“Expert reviews are critical touchpoints with the global community. They allow authors to consider diverse perspectives and listen to local realities.”
Why this matters
Cities are at the frontline of the climate crisis, facing mounting risks from heatwaves, floods, air pollution, and infrastructure stress. The upcoming Special Report will synthesize the latest research on climate impacts, risks, adaptation pathways, and mitigation opportunities for urban centers, offering governments, city planners, and policymakers actionable insights.
The expert review process is central to IPCC’s credibility, ensuring that findings are not only scientifically rigorous but also globally inclusive. Every comment submitted is formally addressed by the authors, and the full set of reviews, along with draft versions, will be published after the report’s finalization.
By encouraging global participation, the IPCC aims to capture the diverse realities of cities across developed and developing nations, making the report a vital resource for shaping sustainable urban futures.
For more details on registration and the review process, experts can contact the IPCC Working Group II Technical Support Unit at media@ipccwg2.org.