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The IPCC's Working Group I recently put out its contribution to the Sixth Assessment Report. Titled " AR6 Climate Change 2021: The Physical Science Basis ", the full report is about 1300 pages long and daunting 一 if not practically unreadable 一 for anyone without a background in climate science. But climate change is a critical issue of our times, and whether or not someone is well-versed with the science behind it, it must be communicated to the general public. Perhaps to fill this perceived 1 void - or perhaps because it is finally turning into a popular (clickbait-ish?) issue in India - several "popular" explainers are out. While I prefer to read the IPCC reports directly, I can't help but notice the way the issue is covered in these explainers or in the media. Since a significant proportion of the public's perception and awareness is influenced by these popular explainers, it is important that they be accurate (though not necessarily deep or comp...

The IPCC's Sixth Assessment Report has been covered by a lot of media outlets.  Since I work in a field related to climate change, I naturally prefer to read the IPCC reports firsthand, without relying on any media personality to explain it to me. I understand that most people would not prefer to read a boring and complicated report, even if it pertains to one of the critical issues of our times. Moreover, it is not always a question of preference or interest. Understanding climate change requires some background in science, which may not be available to all. My hope in writing this post is that: (a) it might convince a few people - especially STEM graduates - that they need not rely on middlemen for first impressions ; and (b) it might prove helpful to media personnel who are interested in explaining this issue to their audience. I assume that you have no formal background in this area. Headline Statements The report by the Working Group I is around 1300 pages long. You likely do...