A tale of two panels: learning and coordinating across IPCC, IPBES, and other science-policy interfaces

Abstract The Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) has been operational since 2012, making it nearly twenty-five years younger than the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). Inspired by the IPCC's success in raising awareness about climate change, IPBES aims to achieve the same for biodiversity. However, their approaches have diverged, particularly around incorporation of diverse knowledge systems, engagement with stakeholders, and coordination across science-policy platforms. This essay reflects on how IPBES and IPCC have approached their mandates and audiences, drawing on the author’s participation in both institutions, and making the argument that developing protocols to recognize and weave in diverse knowledges, bringing in new stakeholders and expanding communications, and engaging in creative coordination can strengthen the impact and reach of assessments. These practices can create new audiences and a stronger foundation for action, all valuable lessons for the IPCC's upcoming Seventh Assessment Report (AR7) cycle.