The critical role of science in guiding UN climate negotiations

Since the establishment of the UN Framework Convention for Climate Change (UNFCCC) in 1992, the role of scientists in informing and guiding the UN climate change negotiations has been critically important — albeit at times controversial. The most recent report on holding global temperature rise to 1.5°C received a particularly contentious response within the UN decision-making body.

This paper assesses how science has guided UN climate negotiations so far and what role the scientific community might have in the future. In the face of an escalating climate crisis, governments must use the best available science to take rapid and proportionate action.