IPCC Critique

If you are concerned about the ecological crisis you undoubtedly know that, four decades ago, Exxon scientists warned about “potentially catastrophic events” from rising concentrations of greenhouse gases (GHGs). You are presumably outraged that the corporation buried these warnings and then funded disinformation campaigns to prevent rational action.

Since the early 1990s the IPCC has progressively distanced itself from the agreed-upon target of safe concentration levels because of the latter’s incompatibility with capitalism, growth, and rich-world affluence.

This report was a response to mounting concerns about the 2°C limit. However, it once again utilizes the IPCC’s false strategy: to focus on emissions rather than concentrations, and to aim for a temperature limit (which permits growth) rather than safe concentration levels (which do not).

“Denialism” conventionally refers to the denial of GHG problems, but the real danger is the denial of GHG solutions – particularly for the melting Arctic. This form of denialism is one of the IPCC’s key functions.

Aside from manipulations, IPCC support remains strong due to the material interests of the global rich. Seriously addressing the GHG crisis would mean a significant reduction in rich-world consumption levels.

Despite its objective failure, support for the IPCC remains strong due in part to various manipulations. These include the redirection of public attention and the good-cop/bad-cop routine.

The IPCC’s first five reports have failed to slow the rise in GHG concentrations. Here I make ten demands for its sixth report in 2021. If these cannot be met, the organization should be dissolved.

The IPCC was established to conceal the decision by social leaders to continue with capitalism’s economic expansion despite its gruesome ecological implications.

The IPCC’s longstanding strategy is to bend the emissions curve to stabilize concentrations. Based on a critical 1992 agreement, the correct approach is to bend the concentrations curve to its safe level.