KAUST Professors Appointed As Lead Authors For IPCC's Seventh Assessment Report On Climate Change

King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) is making significant contributions to the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s (IPCC) Seventh Assessment Report (AR7). Associate Prof. Sami Al-Ghamdi and Prof. Hussein Hoteit have been chosen as lead authors from a global pool of 664 scientists representing 111 countries. Their work will influence climate policy for the next decade, with the report set for release in 2029.

The IPCC, established in 1988, evaluates climate science and informs global climate policy through detailed reports published every five to seven years. The AR7 includes three working groups: Working Group I (WGI) focuses on physical science, Working Group II (WGII) addresses impacts, adaptation, and vulnerability, while Working Group III (WGIII) examines climate change mitigation strategies. The reports will start publication in 2028 and conclude in 2029.

Prof. Al-Ghamdi will lead Chapter 8 (Asia) in WGII, focusing on climate change impacts across Asia. This chapter will explore vulnerabilities, risks, adaptation strategies, and responses to losses and damages in the region. His expertise lies in sustainable urban development, infrastructure resilience, and environmental systems.

Prof. Hoteit will lead Chapter 15 (Potentials, Limits, and Risks of Carbon Dioxide Removal – CDR) of WGIII. This chapter will delve into the technical, economic, and environmental aspects of CDR methods. It will assess their feasibility, risks, scalability, and potential role in achieving net-zero and net-negative emission futures. Prof. Hoteit is a renowned expert in energy resources engineering and subsurface carbon management.

Their involvement provides crucial scientific evidence for international climate discussions. This solidifies KAUST’s reputation as a leader in climate research, energy studies, and sustainability initiatives.

With inputs from SPA