IPBES and IPCC: Bridging Science, Policy and Practice

About the course

This course provides an introduction to the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC),  highlighting key opportunities for engagement. A clear grasp of how IPBES and IPCC operate, scope their work, and interaction, and the impact their products and activities have on policymaking,  is essential for effectively engaging with their assessments, contributing to their processes, and applying their findings in science, policy, and practice. Understanding the formal rules, procedures, the inner workings and decision-making processes of these bodies is crucial for meaningful participation.

This course is geared to:

• Experts and knowledge holders: active engagement in assessments not only strengthens the quality and legitimacy of IPBES and IPCC outputs but also empowers experts and knowledge holders to shape global science-policy dialogues, develop their careers, and bring diverse perspectives into decision-making.
• National Focal Points: National Focal Points play a critical role in bridging national and global priorities, shaping science-policy dialogues, and ensuring the meaningful participation of their countries in the work of IPBES and IPCC.
• Stakeholders: stakeholders are essential for ensuring awareness, legitimacy, transparency, inclusiveness, and impact in the work of IPBES and IPCC. Their engagement helps connect global assessments to local action, foster broader use of outputs, and amplify diverse voices in the science-policy interface.

Course highlights and outcomes

This course is designed to provide you with five key benefits:

• Easy onboarding: It serves as the definitive "go-to" resource for all newcomers to the IPBES and IPCC.
• All-in-one resource: We consolidated scattered knowledge into a single, comprehensive, and structured course tailored to diverse audiences and engagement levels.
• Process clarity: We demystify the technical and complex assessment processes through accessible, structured learning modules.
• Insider engagement: Gain insider insights into engagement opportunities—learn how you can get involved and benefit from expert tips and real-world advice from longstanding practitioners.

Official recognition: Receive a certificate of completion from the course partners.

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‍Learning objectives

By  completing the course, you will:

• Gain a foundational understanding of IPBES and IPCC. Learn how these vital science-policy interfaces strengthen knowledge for better decision-making on biodiversity and climate change.
• Discover the distinct yet complementary missions of IPBES and IPCC and their profound impacts on global, national, and private sector decision-making.
• Explore the IPBES and IPCC governance, structure, and rigorous assessment processes and opportunities for engagement.
• Master the inner workings of IPBES and IPCC, key for anyone looking to make a meaningful contribution, whether as an expert, policymaker, or stakeholder.
• Receive practical guidance on how to engage with IPBES and IPCC and realise benefits of engagement, learn about different roles and pathways for participation as well as the essential skills needed.

Be empowered to actively contribute to and shape global science-policy-practice dialogues, understanding how your involvement strengthens the quality and legitimacy of IPBES and IPCC activities and products.

‍Course topics

The course will cover the following topics:

• Lesson 1: Introduction to IPBES and IPCC
• Lesson 2: How IPBES and IPCC Work - Assessment Processes and Opportunities for Engagement
• Lesson 3: Engaging as Expert and Knowledge Holder in IPBES and IPCC  
• Lesson 4: Engaging as a National Focal Point of an IPBES and IPCC Member State
• Lesson 5: Engaging as Stakeholder in IPBES and IPCC

Course completion requirements

To receive the certificate of course completion, participants must complete:

• All online lessons
• All quizzes with a score of 60% or higher
• The course survey