Jim Skea, Imperial College professor, elected IPCC chair for 7th climate assessment cycle

Jim Skea, a professor at Imperial College, London, has been elected as the new chair of the Inter-governmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).  

The IPCC is the United Nations body that assesses the science related to climate change.

Skea, who was the former co-chair of the IPCC working group III, was elected at the 59th session of the organisation in Nairobi, Kenya.

He got 90 votes to beat his closest opponent, Thelma Krug from Brazil, who got 69 votes.

In a statement, the IPCC said Skea is coming on board with nearly 40 years of climate science experience and expertise.

“Jim Skea, aged 69, is a professor of sustainable energy at Imperial College in London,” the statement reads.

“During the IPCC’s just completed sixth assessment cycle, Skea was the co-chair of working group III, assessing the mitigation of climate change.

“Most of his career, spreading over three decades, has been dedicated to ensuring that the challenges of climate change are understood, and actions to avert them are taken.”

In his address to delegates, Skea said he hopes to pursue three priorities, including improving inclusiveness and diversity.

“Climate change is an existential threat to our planet. My ambition is to lead an IPCC that is truly representative and inclusive, an IPCC looking to the future while exploiting the opportunities that we have in the present. An IPCC where everyone feels valued and heard,” the statement quoted Skea as saying.

“In this, I will pursue three priorities – improving inclusiveness and diversity, shielding scientific integrity and policy relevance of IPCC assessment reports, and making the effective use of the best available science on climate change.

“My actions as the chair of the IPCC will ensure that these ambitions are realized.”

‘I AM HUMBLED’

In a Twitter post, Skea said he is humbled to have been elected, noting that he is ready to put in the work.

“I am humbled and deeply honoured to have been elected chair of IPCC, the intergovernmental panel on climate change,” he wrote.

“My profound thanks and gratitude go out to those who supported my candidacy, and to Thelma, Debra and Jean-Pascal for engaging in their positive and collegiate campaigns.

“I look forward to continuing to work with you all. I also pay tribute to past IPCC chair, Hoesung Lee, who led the organisation through a remarkable cycle.

“Throughout my campaign, I listened and engaged widely with stakeholders across the world, which helped shape my vision.

“As chair, I will address three key priorities: ensuring inclusive participation and collaboration across all regions; promoting the use of the best and most relevant science; and maximising the reach and impact of the IPCC’s work through engagement with policymakers and other stakeholders. We have the tools, now we need to put them to work.”