We are proud to share exciting news from our team! Dr. Stella Shumba, Senior Researcher at the Climate Risk Finance Solutions Team at UNU-EHS and Associate Expert for MCII, has been selected as a Coordinating Lead Author for the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Seventh Assessment Report (AR7).  

The IPCC plays a critical role in assessing the science related to climate change and providing the world with objective, scientific information about its impacts and possible response strategies. Its findings are published in periodic Assessment Reports, which are considered the most important sources of climate knowledge for policymakers, governments, and the global public. Coordinating Lead Authors, together with Lead Authors, carry the major responsibility of drafting the report chapters, synthesizing complex scientific evidence, and guiding the review and revision process. For the upcoming Seventh Assessment Report, Dr. Shumba has been appointed Coordinating Lead Author for Chapter 7 in WGII, while MCII Board Member Prof. Dr. Zita Sebesvari has been appointed Lead Author for Chapter 8 in WGIII.  

Dr. Shumba’s chapter will focus predominantly on  Africa and examine issues such as adaptation progress, key risks under different warming scenarios, and the role of finance, governance, indigenous knowledge, and justice in shaping responses. Her contribution will help guide the scientific assessment of Africa’s unique climate challenges and opportunities, ensuring the region’s perspectives are reflected in the global report. Her expertise at MCII, where she works on adaptation and climate risk finance solutions for vulnerable communities, complements this responsibility by grounding scientific insights in people-centred approaches.  

“Science must meet people where they are. In my role as Coordinating Lead Author, I aim to ensure that the IPCC AR7 Chapter 7 not only conveys rigorous evidence but also amplifies the lived realities of Africa’s most climate-vulnerable communities,” said Dr. Shumba, highlighting what she most looks forward to in her new role.   

Her role as Coordinating Lead Author is not only a professional milestone, but also a reflection of her commitment to advancing global climate action through science. We are inspired by her achievement and proud to see members of our Associated Experts team contributing directly to shaping the world’s understanding of climate change, which in turn protects vulnerable communities from climate risks!  As the IPCC embarks on this next vital assessment cycle, we look forward to supporting Dr. Shumba in driving solutions for a more sustainable future.