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Ban welcomes election of chief of UN-backed climate panel ahead of Paris conference

Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) elected Lee Hoesung of Republic of Korea as its new Chairman.
IPCC
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) elected Lee Hoesung of Republic of Korea as its new Chairman.

Ban welcomes election of chief of UN-backed climate panel ahead of Paris conference

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has welcomed the election of Lee Hoesung of the Republic of Korea as Chairman of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). Mr. Hoesung will guide the Panel’s work of assessing the science related to climate change.

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has welcomed the election of Lee Hoesung of the Republic of Korea as Chairman of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). Mr. Hoesung will guide the Panel’s work of assessing the science related to climate change.

“He looks forward to the IPCC’s new leadership at this critical moment when governments are preparing for the global climate change conference in Paris later this year, and extends his congratulations to Mr. Lee,” said a statement issued yesterday by his spokesperson in New York.

Mr. Ban also reaffirmed his support for the crucial role played by the IPCC in supplying decision-makers and the public with the world’s most authoritative scientific understanding of climate change, including its impacts as well as solutions.

The IPCC’s Fifth Assessment Report, released last November, provides the most comprehensive assessment of climate change ever undertaken.

“It adds to the overwhelming evidence that human activity is disrupting the climate, and warns that we risk severe, pervasive and irreversible impacts, should present emission trends continue. The IPCC’s report also shows us that we have a variety of options to limit climate change and help build a safer, more sustainable world now and into the future,” said the statement.