The Fourth Assessment Report
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Abstract
Climate change has been a contentious issue since time immemorial. Varied conventions and summits have been convened aimed at looking at ways in which the effects of climatic changes can be mitigated. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change came up with the Fourth Assessment Report with the aim of looking at Climate Change, its predisposing factors (Causes), its impact or effects as well as strategies that would be used in mitigating its effects. This paper examines the report as a whole, its integrity, strengths and weaknesses, assumptions made in its making, proposals advanced and their feasibility, and recommendations on the same. It also stresses on the importance of involving governing bodies in the implementation of the proposals.
Introduction
The contentious nature of issues surrounding climatic conditions cannot be gainsaid. Numerous organizations have been looking into the ways in which the effects of climatic changes can be mitigated. The Fourth Assessment Report written by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change was aimed at assessing the scientific, socioeconomic and technical information pertaining to climate change, as well as the likely effects and the existing alternatives for mitigation and adaptation. This report provides a comprehensive summary of the whole situation and incorporates the views of numerous editors, reviewers and authors. These people come from every corner of the world thereby presenting a plethora of views likely to be balanced and touching on almost every region in the world. In essence, there are variations in the mitigation efforts carried out in varied parts of the world, thanks to variations in the effects on different climatic conditions. This has, however, been guarded against by the incorporation of numerous authors.
The integrity of the Fourth Assessment Report
The integrity of any report is crucial for the credibility of the information provided. It is noteworthy that the report has been compiled by through the assistance of numerous experts from varied fields, as well as parts of the world. In essence, the views expressed in the report are balanced and specific to certain climatic zones. This is because of variations in the effects experienced by varied parts of the world as far as climate changes are concerned.
Underlining the credibility or integrity of the report is the fact that the insights and reviews incorporated in the report are founded on scientific data. The incorporation of the ideas of numerous experts has ensured proper presentation and structuring of ideas in the report. The arrangement of the report through sequential analysis has allowed for adequate understanding of the complex issues that the report revolves around.
However, the report incorporates incomplete information pertaining to the varied sector levels incorporated. This has resulted from the assumptions made in the report, the variations in the definitions pertaining to the sectors involved, as well as the paucity of the information that the concerned sectors require.
Strengths of the Fourth Assessment report
As noted earlier, numerous authors and experts have contributed to the compilation of the report. This must have created a breeding ground for varied opinions on various issues incorporated in the report. The ironing out of the divergent opinions must have called for in-depth research in order to provide a comprehensive document without contradicting views. In addition, the incorporation of numerous authors with expertise in varied fields allows for the incorporation of varied environmental aspects. In essence, the information would be applicable to varied parts of the world in dealing with effects of climate change.
It is noteworthy that the report has incorporated a detailed analysis of varied issues pertaining to climatic changes including causes, effects and the potential mitigation responses to climate change. In essence, the report forms the basis for negotiations in future reports.
Weaknesses of the Fourth Assessment Report
It is noteworthy that climate change being a fundamental part of science incorporates dynamism. In essence, in spite of the analytical aspect that the report incorporates, the dynamism of climate change means that the report will be rendered obsolete within no time. In addition, the assessments have been carried out on defined time-frames, in which case not all information and results can be used in the modern times.
In addition, the incorporation of numerous authors means that varied opinions were brought forth, only for the views that the majority supported to be incorporated. This means that some of the views that may have been relevant to the findings and analysis, simply because they were supported by the minority.
Assumptions of the report
Reports and scientific findings are, more often than not, based on assumptions. In essence, these assumptions are what holds the findings together. In the Fourth Assessment Report, it is assumed that information transmission is mainly dependent on investments. In essence, it underlines the importance of the conditions that guide technological uptake, worldwide agreements on technology, as well as investments. Implementation of international agreements pertaining to technology could strengthen knowledge of other aspects revolving around climate change.
Solutions for mitigating climate change
Numerous solutions for mitigating climate change have been advanced in the report. These have been defined in terms of short-term and long-term efforts. In the short-term, the efforts touch on varied sectors of the economy such as agriculture, transport, energy supply, buildings, forestry and industry. In the long-term, the policies mainly focused on the costs pertaining to carbon production so as to provide incentives for both producers and consumers. It is noteworthy that, for meaningful change to be effected either in the short-term or the long-term, it is imperative that the whole global community participates in mitigation of climate change.
Questions have emerged as to the feasibility or practicality of the proposed solutions in the world currently. In addition, there are concerns that the implementations of these solutions will take too long that they will be rendered obsolete and, therefore, inapplicable in the situations. Nevertheless, the feasibility of the solutions presented is not in doubt. However, it is imperative that the analysis, evaluation and implementation of the proposals be carried out in time to safeguard their effectiveness.
Feasibility of the proposals
As stated earlier, the feasibility of the proposals in the Fourth Assessment Report is not in question. However, the implementation depends on the participation of all concerned countries and regions, as well as their compliance. A combination of these factors would drive the mitigation efforts against climate change. In essence, countries will be combining their efforts so as to implement these proposals successfully and arrest the problem in time. However, it is noteworthy that the cost-effectiveness of the implementation process is still contentious. Nevertheless, the cost of implementation goes down with time.
Given the inadequacy of information pertaining to climate change and mitigation, it is imperative that individual societies, regions and countries customize the proposals and understand them clearly. Underlining the importance of participation of all countries is the fact that the implementation of the proposals is cyclical in some regions. This is a situation where some regions or countries are striving to increase forest cover to preserve water catchment areas, while others are cutting down trees to pave the way for cultivation. The implementation of these proposals depends on regional awareness of issues pertaining to climatic change, as well as the regional economic status. In addition, it is imperative that the governing agencies participate fully to ensure full compliance in their respective areas. Grass-root support would be attained by creating awareness, where people are educated on how they can utilize resources without depleting them.
Recommendation
Given the importance of participation and compliance in implanting the proposals of the Fourth Assessment Paper, it is imperative that governing bodies be enlisted. This is because they will have literal responsibility of making the necessary laws or even implementing them. In addition, the dynamism that is incorporated in climate change calls for constant research and development of mitigation strategies. In essence, it is imperative that countries employ technology so as to come up with proper strategies to aid the mitigation efforts.
Conclusion
The Fourth Assessment Report provides a comprehensive outline of all aspects of climate change including the causes, effects, as well as strategies that would be effective in mitigating the problem. Given the dynamism incorporated in the climate patterns, the report comes up with essential strategies that would in combating new challenges. The compliance and participation of all countries should be emphasized and pursued, as only then would there be meaningful chances of eliminating global warming and climate change.
