The world’s leading climate science body has suspended a major meeting without agreement on the publication schedule for its next scientific assessment. The decision raises questions about whether the findings will be ready to inform global climate negotiations in 2028.

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) suspended its 65th plenary session in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on Oct. 16, 2026. The meeting brought together representatives of its 195 member governments. The panel said the schedule for its next assessment reports and its budget remained unresolved.

The reports will assess the latest evidence on global warming, its impacts and possible responses. Governments use these assessments to shape climate policies and inform international negotiations.

Why The IPCC Report Timeline Matters

The dispute centres on the timetable for the three contributions to the IPCC’s Seventh Assessment Report (AR7). These will examine climate science, climate impacts and adaptation, and options for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

The timing matters because countries are due to assess progress under the 2015 Paris Agreement during the next Global Stocktake, scheduled for the 2028 United Nations climate talks. Delays could limit the availability of the latest comprehensive scientific assessment for that process.

The IPCC said its deliberations would resume at the earliest opportunity. It did not announce a new meeting date.

Countries Differ Over The Assessment Schedule

A coalition of 30 countries has pressed for a timetable that would allow the reports to inform the 2028 review. Other countries, including India, China, Russia, Kenya and Saudi Arabia, have sought more time to support meaningful participation by scientists from countries with fewer research resources.

Marshall Islands climate envoy Tina Stege criticised the lack of progress and argued that scientific evidence must inform national planning and global climate decisions.

The IPCC said the meeting was suspended after it exceeded its planned duration and delegations from least-developed countries and small island developing states had to leave. Its chair, Jim Skea, said the decision protected the inclusive nature of plenary meetings, where major decisions are made by consensus.

What Happens Next For Global Climate Policy?

The IPCC began its seventh assessment cycle in July 2023. Its previous assessment cycle concluded in March 2023, when the Synthesis Report of the Sixth Assessment Report was released.

The timing of AR7 remains uncertain. Until governments agree on the outstanding schedule, the availability of the full assessment for the 2028 Global Stocktake cannot be confirmed.

The outcome matters for countries assessing climate risks, emissions reductions and adaptation needs. The IPCC’s next decision will determine how its forthcoming scientific findings fit into the international climate policy calendar.