The Copenhagen Diagnosis was released two days ago.
The purpose of this report is to synthesize the most policy-relevant climate science published since the close-off of material for the last IPCC report. The rationale is two-fold.
First, this report serves as an interim evaluation of the evolving science midway through an IPCC cycle - IPCC AR5 is not due for completion until 2013.
Second, and most important, the report serves as a handbook of science updates that supplements the IPCC AR4 in time for Copenhagen in December 2009, and any national or international climate change policy negotiations that follow.
The report, prepared by 26 respected climate scientists, finds that
- Greenhouse gas emissions are surging,
- Recent global temperatures demonstrate human-based warming,
- Ice sheets, glaciers, and ice caps are melting at an accelerating rate,
- Arctic sea ice is declining rapidly, and
- Sea level is rising 3.4 mm/yr.
Hat tip: Real Climate
The US and China have finally announced real numbers for their targets to reduce carbon emissions. Unfortunately these numbers, especially from the US, are far too weak. We need a strong agreement at Copenhagen, but this won't get us there. In many ways, a weak agreement at Copenhagen could be even worse than no agreement, as it would lock in targets too small to make a significant difference.
http://www.selfdestructivebastards.com/2009/11/emissions-targets.html