Ten Nepali scientists selected for IPCC’s 7th assessment report

Ten Nepali scientists have been chosen to contribute to the seventh assessment report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). The IPCC provides the latest information on climate science and explains how climate change could affect the world in the future.

The IPCC reports are prepared voluntarily by scientists worldwide. From Tribhuvan University, Associate Professors Dr. Sudip Thakuri and Dr. Narayan Gaire have been selected to write different chapters. Both are from the Department of Environmental Science.

Other Nepali scientists selected as lead authors include Dr. Bhupesh Adhikari and Dr. Amina Maharjan from ICIMOD, Dr. Shobha Paudel from FIM Italy, Dr. Prajwal Pradhan, Associate Professor at Groningen University in the Netherlands, and Dr. Tek Sapkota from CIMMYT.

Dr. Maheshwar Rupakheti, Vice-Chair of IPCC Working Group 1, has been appointed as review editor for Chapter 3. He works at the RIFS Institute in Germany.

Two more Nepali researchers will contribute to special IPCC reports: Professor Dr. Shobhakar Dhakal as lead author for the climate and cities report, and Dr. Bhupendra Das as lead author for the Inventory for Short-Lived Climate Forcers report, which will be released in 2027.

The IPCC has three working groups. Group 1 studies the physical science of climate change, Group 2 focuses on impacts and adaptation, and Group 3 works on climate change mitigation. Each group prepares its own report, which is later combined into a comprehensive assessment.

Having ten Nepali scientists involved is a significant achievement both nationally and individually. Science writer and environmental researcher Gobinda Prasad Pokharel said, “Nepali scientists have never had such a strong opportunity to contribute to the global climate agenda. Their expertise will guide government decisions, policies, investments, and long-term climate action.”

In the previous sixth assessment report, four Nepali scientists were selected as lead authors. This time, the representation of ten Nepali experts sends a strong message in the field of climate science.

Dr. Rupakheti said, “Being selected as Vice-Chair of Working Group 1 and having eight Nepali scientists chosen globally shows the capability and credibility of our scientists. Our knowledge and leadership are now part of shaping the global climate agenda and fighting climate change.”

He added that this achievement is not only a personal honor but also a symbol of pride and strength for Nepal. The selection of these scientists will help develop evidence-based climate strategies.