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IPCC Fourth Assessment Report - Synthesis Report
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Introduction
Introduction
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(15 May 2007)
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This Synthesis Report, based on the assessment carried out by the three Working Groups of
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the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), provides an updated view of climate
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change as the final integrated product of the Fourth Assessment Report. It covers the
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relationships between the causes of climate change, its effects and response options and other
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policy relevant aspects based on scientific advances since the publication of the Third
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Assessment Report in 2001.
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The various aspects of and linkages between different components of anthropogenic climate
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change and related socio-economic variables, shown in Figure I.1, are covered in specific
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topics of this Report. Topic 1 summarises observed changes in climate and their effects on
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human and natural systems, regardless of their causes, while Topic 2 assesses both natural and
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anthropogenic causes of the observed changes. Topic 3 presents future projections of climate
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change and related impacts for a range of different scenarios of greenhouse gas emissions and
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concentrations.
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A major component of this Report is the assessment of impacts of human induced climate
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change and possible responses within a development context. Accordingly, Topic 4 discusses
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adaptation and mitigation options stretching over the next few decades and their nexus with
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essential aspects of sustainable development. Topic 5 assesses adaptation and mitigation
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responses within a long-term perspective, also within the context of sustainable development.
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Much greater regional detail is provided in this Report than was available in the previous
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assessment. Topic 6 summarises the major robust findings and remaining key uncertainties in
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the assessment presented.
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Based on an enhanced