Professor Deliang Chen receives new UN assignment
The United Nations’ Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has appointed Deliang Chen, professor of physical meteorology at the University of Gothenburg, as one of the coordinating lead authors of a report on climate change.
You have been appointed to a new assignment. Could you describe it?
“I’ve been appointed as coordinating lead author of the first chapter of a report dealing with climate changes and suggestions on how we can counteract them. I have the main responsibility for reviewing new articles that have been published in scientific journals. A large part of my work involves reading thousands of scientific articles and summarising the results in a correct and clear manner. Results of the report will be presented in 2021 and will serve as an important basis in international negotiations on climate change and what adjustments and measures are required.”
Can you tell us briefly about the UN Climate Panel?
“The IPCC was established in 1988 and has almost 200 member countries. The purpose of the panel is to convey to the world around us the latest research on climate change and how climate change is affecting our environment, economy and society. The panel consists of three working groups. One is concerned with the physical, chemical and biological scientific aspects of climate change; the second with the effects of climate change; and the third with what opportunities society has to counteract and adapt to climate changes.”
What do you hope to accomplish?
“I hope to be able to provide the best possible supporting data for those who must make decisions, thereby contributing to global sustainable development. My hope is that I can help promote climate research and inspire students and young researchers to become more global in their way of thinking and acting.”
What is the biggest challenge?
“For 20 years I’ve been involved in the work of the IPCC. Over the years I have had different roles, but I have never before been coordinating lead author, which is exciting. The biggest challenge is trying to take advantage of all the competence, expertise and perspectives available among the many authors so that the report will be as comprehensive and adequate as possible.”
About Deliang Chen
Deliang Chen, professor of physical meteorology at the University of Gothenburg. He is a member of the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, the European Academy of Sciences and Arts and the Chinese Academy of Sciences and is an expert on regional climate analyses for Sweden and China, the relationship between weather and climate, and climate modelling.
Deliang has previously served as executive director of the International Council for Science (ICSU) and has participated in numerous national and international committees and boards. He has also acted as an adviser on climate issues for several governmental and non-governmental bodies around the world, including as scientific director at China’s national climate centre in Beijing.
Contact:
Deliang Chen, professor at the Department of Earth Sciences, University of Gothenburg
+46 (0)31-786 4813, deliang@gvc.gu.se