InterGovernmental Panel on Climate Change or IPCC means a scientific intergovernmental body set up by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) under the UN in 1988 which comprises  hundreds of scientists from all over the world who contribute to the work of the IPCC as authors, contributors and reviewers.

IPCC was established to provide the decision-makers and others interested in climate change with an objective source of information about Climate Change. 

IPCC does not conduct any research nor does it monitor climate related data or parameters.  Its role is to assess on a comprehensive, objective, open and transparent basis the latest scientific, technical and socio-economic literature produced worldwide relevant to the understanding of the risk of human-induced climate change, its observed and projected impacts and options for adaptation and mitigation. 

IPCC reports should be neutral with respect to policy, although they need to deal objectively with policy relevant scientific, technical and socio economic factors. They should be of high scientific and technical standards, and aim to reflect a range of views, expertise and wide geographical coverage.

IPCC is a scientific body: the information it provides with its reports is based on scientific evidence and reflects existing viewpoints within the scientific community.  The comprehensiveness of the scientific content is achieved through contributions from experts in all regions of the world and all relevant disciplines including, where appropriately documented, industry literature and traditional practices, and a two stage review process by experts and governments.

Because of its intergovernmental nature, IPCC is able to provide scientific technical and socio-economic information in a policy-relevant but policy neutral way to decision makers.  When governments accept IPCC reports and approve their Summary for Policymakers, they acknowledge the legitimacy of their scientific content.

In summary, IPCC's role is to assess on a comprehensive, objective, open and transparent basis the scientific, technical and socio-economic information relevant to understanding the scientific basis of risk of human-induced climate change, its potential impacts and options for adaptation and mitigation.