Global climatic change – the latest scientific understanding

Abstract

IPCC’s statement in its 1995 report (IPCC 1996) that a human influence was discernible in global climate has been widely quoted but often misunderstood. The character of the evidence underpinning this ‘detection statement’ is explained so that its strengths and weaknesses can be better understood and the subtleties of its message better appreciated. To demonstrate the close linkage between the government-approved summary and the underlying chapters of the IPCC report the detailed evolution of the ‘detection statement’ from first draft through to the form finally approved by the IPCC is described.