Next month, we will come out with a synthesis report on climate change that will embody the key findings of our three reports released earlier this year. The synthesis document would provide the most policy-relevant scientific overview of the current understanding of climate change. It will have an influence on the Conference of Parties (COP) in Bali. In fact, we requested that the Bali meeting be shifted by four weeks, so that the delegates may have the benefit of the synthesis report. Once this is out, we would have completed our work of the Fourth Assessment Report.

It is now important that messages contained in the series of reports are effectively disseminated among governments and people. That is a challenge that I am willing to address after this part of my work gets over. I would like to launch a major outreach programme, so that the work of the IPCC reaches a large cross-section of people.

As Al Gore said to me today, “we have to work in tandem on climate change”. He has got capabilities and skills to carry the message. We hope to utlilise this synergy in the months to come. Overall, I am optimistic about the future of the world — that is what keeps me going.

The events in the last few months have given me cause for optimism. There is evidence of leaders and the public getting sensitised to climate change. And this is what will lead to action that will address the problem that faces humanity today. I hope that the global community at large finds the work of the IPCC a valuable source of information and knowledge in an area that critically affects the future of this planet and all forms of life that exist on it.

... contd.