The final policy summary of the science on climate change finds that warming of the climate system is unequivocal, and that there is a 90% certainty that most observed increases in globally-averaged temperatures are due to increases in anthropogenic greenhouse gas concentrations.

Released on November 16 in Valencia, Spain, the Summary Report for Policymakers of the Fourth Assessment of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change analyzes the best available scientific, social, and economic data and makes an incontrovertible case for immediate, decisive action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The report’s strong language describing the adverse effects of climate change on natural and human systems is expected to:

• Shape the international policy discussion during climate talks in Bali, Indonesia, next month, as parties prepare to develop a roadmap for a successor agreement to the Kyoto Protocol, which expires in 2012;

• Increase international pressure for regulatory action from the U.S. and China; and

• Raise potential issues for executives, investors, companies, and fund managers regarding the business implications of climate change.

For further information about this topic, please contact Akin Gump.