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The cycle of underrepresentation: structural and institutional factors limiting the representation of Global South authors and knowledge in the IPCC

Author

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  • Diana Rucavado Rojas
  • Julio C. Postigo

    (Indiana University)

Abstract

Since the first Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Report evaluating scientific knowledge about climate in 1990, there has been geographic inequality in authorship and content. Using survey data (n = 62), and interviews (n = 8) with IPCC authors from the Global South, we identify institutional and structural factors that limit their nomination, selection, and ability to contribute to the IPCC reports. These barriers create a cycle of underrepresentation, where Global South research is systematically excluded from IPCC reports. Economic inequality among countries is a major driver of this North-South divide in knowledge production. Bridging this gap requires multiple institutional transformations, such as transforming countries’ investment in Research and Development (R&D) and expanding the ways knowledge is produced within countries and by the IPCC. Undertaking these transformative actions will improve the quality and legitimacy of IPCC products for policy making.

Suggested Citation

  • Diana Rucavado Rojas & Julio C. Postigo, 2025. "The cycle of underrepresentation: structural and institutional factors limiting the representation of Global South authors and knowledge in the IPCC," Climatic Change, Springer, vol. 178(2), pages 1-11, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:climat:v:178:y:2025:i:2:d:10.1007_s10584-025-03857-z
    DOI: 10.1007/s10584-025-03857-z
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