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ISC Releases ‘10 New Insights in Climate Science 2026-2027’
The International Science Council (ISC) releases the report titled 10 New Insights in Climate Science 2026-2027. The release coincides with the pre-COP31 meeting held in Fiji and presents recent scientific findings intended to inform climate negotiations in advance of COP31.
10 New Insights in Climate Science 2026-2027:
| Dimension | Key Details |
|---|---|
| Prepared by | The report is prepared by Future Earth, the Earth League, and the World Climate Research Programme (WCRP). |
| Use | The report presents recent scientific findings intended to inform climate negotiations in advance of COP31. |
| Global warming | In 2025, global temperatures are approximately 1.43°C above the pre-industrial baseline, and 2015 to 2025 represent the 11 warmest years on record. |
| CO₂ emissions and concentration | In 2025, fossil fuel and cement production emit a record 38.1 billion tonnes of CO₂, and atmospheric CO₂ concentrations reach 425.6 ppm, approximately 53% higher than pre-industrial levels. |
| Ocean warming | Oceans absorb more than 90% of excess heat in the Earth system, and in 2025, ocean heat content reaches a record high for the ninth consecutive year. |
| Sea-level rise | The global mean sea-level rise rate has doubled over the past 30 years, primarily due to thermal expansion of seawater and melting glaciers and ice sheets. |
| Water insecurity | Approximately three-quarters of the global population live in 101 countries experiencing freshwater losses since 2002, and the annual water gap is estimated at 458 km³, with South Asia facing significant groundwater depletion. |
| Social Cost of Carbon (SCC) | Recent estimates suggest economic damages from carbon emissions may be up to 4 times higher than previously assessed, and SCC quantifies the economic impact of 1 additional tonne of CO₂ emissions. |
| Climate attribution science | Advances in research link emissions from fossil fuel and cement producers to specific climate impacts, strengthening evidence for accountability and climate litigation. |
| Climate clubs and Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanisms | Climate clubs and Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanisms can reduce carbon leakage but may increase costs for exporters in developing countries. |
| Climate obstruction | Common tactics include denial, delay, policy dilution, greenwashing, and digital disinformation. |
| Just energy transition | Geopolitical instability can disrupt clean energy supply chains and increase reliance on fossil fuels. |