http://www.unep.org/compendium2009/

Climate Change Science Compendium 2009

The Climate Change Science Compendium is a review of some 400 major scientific contributions to our understanding of Earth Systems and climate that have been released through peer-reviewed literature or from research institutions over the last three years, since the close of research for consideration by the IPCC Fourth Assessment Report.

The Compendium is not a consensus document or an update of any other process. Instead, it is a presentation of some exciting scientific findings, interpretations, ideas, and conclusions that have emerged among scientists.

Focusing on work that brings new insights to aspects of Earth System Science at various scales, it discusses findings from the International Polar Year and from new technologies that enhance our abilities to see the Earth’s Systems in new ways. Evidence of unexpected rates of change in Arctic sea ice extent, ocean acidification, and species loss emphasizes the urgency needed to develop management strategies for addressing climate change.

An up-dated version of the Climate Change Science Compendium 2009 was uploaded to the Internet on 21 October 2009. It follows feed-back from researchers, experts and members of the public following the launch last month. UNEP welcomes further constructive comments so that the report evolves as a living document containing the latest peer-reviewed science.
Peter Gilruth, Director Division of Early Warning and Assessment