Why Timely Climate Reports Are Important for Surabaya?

Surabaya is facing serious problems due to climate change. Fabrice Lambert, in his article “Why the Timing of Climate Assessments Matters,” talks about how important it is for the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) to release its reports on time. These reports help cities like Surabaya deal with climate issues effectively.

Surabaya, a city in Indonesia, is experiencing challenges like rising sea levels and more flooding. These problems show why it is urgent to have timely scientific reports that can help local leaders create effective plans to tackle climate change. Lambert argues that the IPCC should release its seventh assessment report (AR7) by mid-2028. This timing is crucial for cities like Surabaya to access the latest scientific data to make informed decisions.

The IPCC usually publishes its reports every six to seven years. However, the Paris Agreement requires countries to review their climate actions every five years. Lambert points out that if the IPCC delays its reports, local governments may miss important opportunities to take action. For Surabaya, having access to the latest information is essential for dealing with flooding and managing water resources as rainfall patterns change.

I spoke with Ney, a student at Universitas Airlangga, about how climate change affects Surabaya. She said, “In Surabaya, we already see more flooding during the rainy season. If the government doesn’t release its reports on time, our leaders won’t have the necessary information to take action. It’s important for cities like ours to stay informed to protect our communities.” Ney’s comments show how important timely reports are for local areas. 

The IPCC is trying to include more local studies and non-English research in its assessments. This will help cities like Surabaya get better access to scientific data. By releasing their reports on time, the IPCC can help Surabaya make better plans to fight climate change.

In conclusion, it is very important for the IPCC to release its climate assessments on time for cities like Surabaya. As the COP meetings approach, meeting the deadlines for the AR7 reports will help local governments. Access to timely scientific information will empower Surabaya to take effective action against climate change, benefiting both the city and its people.

Reference:

Lambert, F. (2024). Why the timing of climate assessments matters. Nature, 634, 9. https://doi.org/10.1038/d41586-024-03156-0