Science is Front and Center at COP27

• Science Day opening reiterates message that humans have changed climate

• Reaffirms importance of science and evidence to build capacity for climate action

• Egypt to launch 1st Vulnerability Assessment Map

Science is front and center at COP27 as the opening of the thematic day kicked-off with a session, “IPCC 6th Assessment Report: How to Accelerate Global Climate Action,” during which the panel reiterated the message that humans have changed climate. Featuring Egyptian Minister of Environment Dr Yasmine Fouad, Egyptian Minister of Higher Education, HE Mohamed Ayman Ashour, and Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Chair, Hoesung Lee, the speakers referenced the warnings from the global scientific and academic community and the need for science-based information to support implementation.

As part of Science Day at COP27, Egypt will launch its 1st Vulnerability Assessment Map, which was informed by data from the IPCC that gathered policymakers to support its commitment to planning that is informed by science and evidence.

Hoesung Lee, Chair of IPCC said: “The first seeds of our scientific work today were planted here thousands of years ago. This rich heritage of ancient Egypt profoundly contributed to our understanding and command of mathematics, written language, science, and technology. Today, the scientific community has never been more certain and clearer about man-made climate change.”

Science Day will comprise panel discussions and events to bring forward the outcomes of the reports and their recommendations, and further enhance engagement of the climate community, practitioners and different stakeholders to discuss and engage on the linkages and findings related to climate change.

Commenting on this event, COP27 President H.E. Sameh Shoukry said, “Science plays a key role in informing the climate process, providing critical evidence and numbers to build the case for action and the urgency of implementation,” adding “We hope that all the participants in our thematic day on science leave with a stronger desire for finding science-based solutions and plan for implementation that leaves no one behind.”

COP President Shoukry also added: “While we cannot turn back time on melting glaciers and reverse global emissions, we can stop backsliding on our commitments and slow down, even stop some of the impact of climate change by drawing upon science to find solutions.”

In 2022, the global scientific community, including IPCC and UNEP, have released landmark reports that require us to pay urgent attention and act quickly and increase our ambition and action. Science Day will comprise panel discussions and events to bring forward the outcomes of the reports and their recommendations, and further enhance engagement of the climate community, practitioners, and different stakeholders to discuss and engage on the linkages and findings related to climate change.