A rare convergence of review opportunities is open right now: IPBES and IPCC have simultaneously opened external reviews for three major assessments covering biodiversity, spatial planning, and climate change in cities. This is a direct and accessible opportunity for scientists, policymakers, and practitioners to contribute to the science that shapes global biodiversity and climate policy. And if you are wondering where to start, RESPIN has the tools to help.
What is currently being reviewed?
Two major IPBES assessments are currently open:
• Spatial Planning and Connectivity Assessment - expert review open from 1 June to 26 July 2026.
• Second Global Assessment - expert review open from 15 June to 8 August 2026.
IPCC Special Report on Climate Change and Cities
• Second-Order Draft (SOD) of the Special Report on Climate Change and Cities - Registration for new reviewers closed on 26 June 2026. If you are already registered, the review window remains open until 3 July. ipcc.ch
All three reviews are open to governments, scientists, and stakeholders. Participating as an Expert Reviewer is one of the most accessible entry points to the IPBES and IPCC process: no formal nomination is needed, the time commitment is typically a few days to a few weeks, and reviewers play a genuine role in strengthening the scientific rigour of reports that will inform other major multilateral agreements.
How to get involved
The process is straightforward:
1. Register or log in at ipbes.net/user/register / https://apps.ipcc.ch/comments/srcities/register.php?q=SOD
2. Apply to become an external reviewer.
3. Access the draft assessment documents.
4. Submit your comments online before the deadline.
Not sure where to start? RESPIN can help
RESPIN has developed a range of free, open-access resources specifically designed to help experts navigate IPBES and IPCC processes:
• RESPIN Online Course - the RESPIN online course covers the IPBES and IPCC assessment processes in depth, explaining how they work, what the different expert roles involve, and how to engage effectively. It is an ideal preparation before taking on a reviewer role.
• Explainer Video - watch Becoming a Reviewer of IPBES/IPCC Reports for a short, practical introduction to what the Expert Reviewer role involves.
• Factsheet 1 - IPBES and IPCC Explained: Why and How to Engage as an Expert sets out the full landscape of expert engagement pathways, roles, and time commitments across both processes. This factsheet is available in English, French, Spanish and Russian.
These resources are free, multilingual where available and designed for experts at all career stages.
Why does it matter?
These are not routine reports. The Second Global Assessment will be a cornerstone document for biodiversity policy over the coming decade, building on the landmark 2019 Global Assessment. The Spatial Planning and Connectivity Assessment addresses one of the most pressing practical questions in conservation: how landscapes and seascapes can be designed to support both biodiversity and human wellbeing.
The IPCC Special Report on Climate Change and Cities is the first report of IPCC’s seventh assessment cycle and its only special report in this cycle, a first-of-its-kind city-focused scientific assessment. Scheduled for release in March 2027, it will provide actionable evidence on climate impacts, adaptation, and mitigation for urban areas worldwide, directly supporting local governments and city-level policy.
Expert reviewer comments directly shape the final reports. The authors are required to address every comment received, and the full record of comments and responses is published. This is real influence, not merely consultation.
Call to Action
The nearest deadline is 26 July for the IPBES Spatial Planning Assessment.
Register at ipbes.net/user/register, take the RESPIN course to prepare, and watch the explainer video to understand what is involved.
