Two prominent Nigerian professors, Ibidun Adelekan and Aliyu Barau, have been selected as lead authors for the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Special Report on Climate Change and Cities. This significant achievement recognizes their expertise and positions them at the forefront of global climate research. The report, scheduled for release in March 2027, will be the first in the IPCC’s seventh assessment cycle and will focus on the critical interplay between climate change and urban environments.
Professor Adelekan’s Contributions: Associate Professor Ibidun Adelekan, a distinguished geographer from the University of Ibadan, will contribute her expertise in human dimensions of global environmental change, including climate change, disaster risk reduction, and resilience, to Chapter 2 of the report. Her research has significantly advanced our understanding of how climate change impacts vulnerable communities in West Africa, making her a valuable asset in developing effective climate adaptation strategies.
Professor Barau’s Role: Professor Aliyu Barau, Dean of the Faculty of Earth and Environmental Sciences at Bayero University, Kano, and West Africa Hub Director of the Urban Climate Change Research Network (UCCRN), will contribute to Chapter 5. His research focuses on urban planning, sustainability, and climate resilience, particularly within rapidly urbanizing African cities. His inclusion in this report underscores the critical need to integrate climate adaptation considerations into urban development policies.
Rigorous Selection Process: The selection process for lead authors was highly competitive, involving 1,201 nominations from national focal points and observer organizations. A rigorous evaluation process, emphasizing scientific, technical, and socio-economic expertise, along with geographical and gender balance, resulted in the selection of 97 experts, with over half being women and a significant proportion representing developing countries and economies in transition.
Global Significance: The IPCC Special Report on Climate Change and Cities will provide a comprehensive assessment of the latest scientific findings on climate impacts, risks, and mitigation strategies for urban areas. With over half of the world’s population residing in cities, a figure projected to increase significantly by 2050, the report’s findings will be crucial for policymakers, urban planners, and climate activists worldwide.
Call to Action: The IPCC encourages the scientific community to actively participate in the review process by engaging as expert reviewers. The first order draft of the report is scheduled for review in the second half of 2025. This inclusive approach aims to ensure the report’s relevance and applicability across diverse urban contexts.
The selection of Professors Adelekan and Barau as lead authors for this crucial IPCC report underscores the significant contributions of Nigerian researchers to global climate discourse. Their involvement will not only enhance Nigeria’s standing in international climate research but also ensure that African urban experiences and solutions are integrated into global climate strategies.Sources and related content
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