Technical Summary

Abstract

This Technical Summary of the IPCC Special Report on Ocean and Cryosphere in a Changing Climate (SROCC) consists of the Executive Summaries of all chapters (1-6) of the Special Report, the Executive Summary from the Integrative Cross-Chapter Box on Low-Lying Islands and Coasts, and supporting figures drawn from the chapters and the Summary for Policymakers. The Technical Summary follows the structure of the Report (Table TS.1). Section TS.1 (Chapter 1) introduces important key concepts, summarizes the characteristics and interconnection of ocean and cryosphere and highlights their importance in the earth system and for human societies in the light of climate change. TS.2 (Chapter 2) assesses changes in high mountain cryosphere and their impacts on local mountain communities and far beyond. TS.3 (Chapter 3) evaluates the state of knowledge concerning changes and impacts in the Arctic and Antarctic ocean and cryosphere systems, including challenges and opportunities for societies. TS.4 (Chapter 4) focusses on regional and global changes in sea level, the associated risk to low-lying islands, coasts and human settlements, and response options. TS.5 (Chapter 5) assesses changes in the ocean and marine ecosystems, including risks to ecosystem services and vulnerability of the dependent communities. TS.6 (Chapter 6) examines extremes and abrupt or irreversible changes in the ocean and cryosphere in a changing climate, and identifies sustainable and resilient risk management strategies. All chapters and their Executive Summaries build on findings since the IPCC Fifth Assessment Report (AR5) and, whenever applicable, outcomes of the IPCC Special Report on Global Warming of 1.5ºC (SR15).