IPCC Source Committee Says High-Emissions Scenario Is Implausible

N. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change reports has stated that its highest-emissions pathway is no longer considered plausible. The committee described the scenario as implausible based on updated emissions trends and modeling assumptions.

The assessment focuses on the highest-emissions pathway used in prior IPCC reports. Committee members reviewed current data on energy use and technology deployment. The statement applies to the scenario that projects the largest temperature increases in earlier modeling.

IPCC reports have used multiple emissions pathways to project future climate conditions. The highest pathway assumed continued rapid growth in fossil fuel consumption without major policy changes. The committee's latest statement revises the plausibility of that specific pathway.