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What Is the IPCC and What Does It Do? — Reading Comprehension

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This NGSS-aligned reading passage introduces middle school students to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). The passage explains how the IPCC was formed, what it does, and why its reports are so important for understanding and responding to global climate change. Students learn about the role of greenhouse gas emissions, the structure of working groups, and how science can guide global policy. The passage also highlights the IPCC’s Nobel Peace Prize and its impact on climate awareness. Ideal for building understanding of climate systems and Earth and Human Activity standards in the NGSS.

CONTENT PREVIEW

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, or IPCC, is a group of scientists and experts from around the world who study climate change. It was created in 1988 by the United Nations. The IPCC does not run its own experiments—it reviews thousands of scientific studies and provides reports that help people understand what is happening to Earth’s climate.

The IPCC's main job is to gather, review, and share information about climate change. Its reports explain how and why the planet is warming, how fast it is happening, and what the effects could be. The panel also looks at possible solutions, like cutting greenhouse gas emissions, switching to renewable energy, and preparing for rising sea levels and stronger storms.

One of the most important parts of the IPCC’s work is creating Assessment Reports, which are released every few years. These reports are used by governments, scientists, and policymakers around the world. They help guide decisions about how to reduce climate change and protect communities.

The IPCC works in groups, called Working Groups, that focus on different topics:

Working Group I: the science of climate change
Working Group II: impacts and ways to adapt
Working Group III: ways to reduce emissions

In 2007, the IPCC was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, along with Al Gore, for its efforts to build understanding and action on climate change.

The IPCC is important because it helps people and leaders make informed choices about the future. By using science, the IPCC shows us how we can work together to protect our planet.

Fun Fact: The IPCC reports are written by hundreds of scientists and reviewed by thousands more before they are published!

What does IPCC stand for?

International Policy on Climate ControlIntergovernmental Panel on Climate ChangeIndependent Panel for Climate CrisisInternational People for Climate Care

What is the main role of the IPCC?

To stop pollution directlyTo run climate experimentsTo review climate science and inform decisionsTo build solar panels

When was the IPCC created?

1970198819992007

What does the IPCC NOT do?

Publish scientific reportsConduct original lab experimentsReview thousands of studiesAdvise world leaders

What do the IPCC’s Assessment Reports help with?

Planning birthday partiesPredicting earthquakesMaking climate policy decisionsTracking animal migration

What topic does Working Group I study?

Forest plantingSolar panel designClimate scienceFlood emergency response

What is the main idea of the passage?

The IPCC builds power plantsThe IPCC studies and shares climate information to help the world respondThe IPCC only works in EuropeThe IPCC only studies oceans

What important award did the IPCC win in 2007?

Gold Medal in ScienceNobel Peace PrizeClimate Champion CupUnited Nations Trophy