More than 100 experts from 56 countries are preparing the final draft of the IPCC’s only Special Report in its seventh assessment cycle, set for release in 2027.
Over 100 of the world’s leading climate scientists have gathered in Bhopal for a week-long meeting to shape the final draft of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Special Report on Climate Change and Cities, a landmark assessment that will guide how urban areas respond to rising climate risks.
Hosted by the Indian Institute of Forest Management (IIFM) with support from the Government of India, the Fourth Lead Author Meeting runs from August 3 to 7, 2026. The report is expected to be completed in March 2027 and will be the only Special Report produced during the IPCC’s seventh assessment cycle.
The report comes at a time when cities are increasingly bearing the brunt of climate change. From extreme heat and flooding to deteriorating air quality and pressure on infrastructure, urban centres are emerging as both major contributors to greenhouse gas emissions and among the most vulnerable places to climate impacts.
The Special Report aims to provide governments, city planners and policymakers with the latest scientific understanding of climate risks facing urban areas. It will also examine practical options for reducing emissions while strengthening resilience through adaptation measures.
A total of 97 experts from 56 countries, including four scientists from India, are contributing to the report’s five chapters. Their work builds on years of scientific collaboration and one of the most rigorous review processes in global climate science.
The report has already undergone multiple rounds of international scrutiny. The First Order Draft attracted more than 32,000 review comments from over 1,300 experts, while the recently completed Government and Expert Review of the Second Order Draft generated over 25,000 comments from 960 reviewers representing 102 countries.
During the Bhopal meeting, authors are reviewing these comments and resolving scientific issues before preparing the final draft. The completed draft will then be circulated to governments for a final review ahead of its formal approval and publication next year.
Calling the gathering a critical milestone, Bart van den Hurk, Co-Chair of IPCC Working Group II, said the volume of review comments reflects the global importance of the report. He noted that the authors are committed to carefully considering the feedback received to ensure the final assessment is scientifically robust and relevant for decision-makers.
Prof. Raman Sukumar, National Science Chair at the Centre for Ecological Studies, Indian Institute of Science and Vice-Chair of IPCC Working Group II, said the report is intended to become an important scientific resource for cities worldwide as they confront the growing challenges of climate change. He also welcomed the opportunity to host the meeting at the IIFM campus in Bhopal.
The Special Report is expected to play a significant role in shaping future urban climate policies as countries accelerate efforts to meet global climate goals while making cities safer, healthier and more resilient in a warming world.