It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our friend and colleague Professor Krishna AchutaRao. Krishna was an active member of the WCRP Joint Scientific Community, a Lead Author of the IPCC and a highly regarded member of the Indian and international science community.

To quote a long-time colleague and friend of Krishna's, Prof. Roxy Koll
"Krishna was a long-time friend and colleague, and over the years we had many conversations and arguments about climate science. What brought me closer to him was his keen scientific temper, his extraordinary attention to detail, and above all, his sense of humour. He would question an argument until he was satisfied that it stood up scientifically, but our conversations would very often leave me smiling. He was also a clear and principled critic whenever scientific temper was compromised, something that has become increasingly important in the present political climate. That combination of scientific rigour, intellectual courage and humour is something I will always remember about him."

He was widely regarded as an excellent scientist and equally remembered as a nice person. There have been a number of articles in the Indian press outlining his many contributions:

• The Indian Express: https://indianexpress.com/article/india/krishna-achutarao-iit-delhi-climate-scientist-dies-62-10865578/
• Hindustan Times: https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/others/renowned-scientist-prof-krishna-achutarao-passes-away-at-62-101788545205719.html
• Down To Earth: https://www.downtoearth.org.in/amp/story/climate-change/major-loss-to-indian-climate-science-scientific-community-civil-society-mourn-demise-of-krishna-achutarao

He will be sorely missed by many, including those in the WCRP community.

 

The World Climate Research Programme (WCRP) Regional Information for Society (RIfS) Core Project will convene two online fora for the climate research community, anchored by panel discussions on overshoot trajectories, consequences, mitigation, and adaptation challenges. Mark your calendar for :

• Week of September 28: Lived Experience: Trajectories and Consequences
• Week of October 14: Navigating the Return: Mitigation and Adaptation Challenges

Sign-up to receive more details as they become available here. Read UNEP’s report: https://doi.org/10.59117/20.500.11822/49857 

The call welcomes nominations, including self-nominations, to help strengthen the SSG’s regional, disciplinary, gender and career-stage representation. Applications are particularly encouraged from underrepresented regions and individuals with expertise in stakeholder engagement.

SSG members will contribute to the strategic development and coordination of the WCRP RIfS research, helping advance climate information that responds to regional needs and supports decision-making.

Deadline: 16 October 2026, 12:00 UTC
Self-nominations are welcome.

Learn more here.

Submit your nomination here.

The World Climate Research Programme (WCRP) congratulates Peter Van Oevelen, Director of the Global Energy and Water Exchanges (GEWEX) Core Project, on receiving the Kenneth C. Spengler Award from the American Meteorological Society (AMS). The award recognizes his "distinguished leadership of the International GEWEX Project Office, bridging weather, water, and climate communities and fostering inclusive, global collaboration across Earth system sciences."

WCRP also congratulates Sara Pryor, recipient of the Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Advance of Applied Meteorology, recognizing her "outstanding contributions to actionable research, leadership, international collaborations, and mentorship that have helped to advance the field of renewable energy."

Recipients will be honored at the 107th AMS Annual Meeting in Denver, 10–14 January 2027.

Read the AMS article: "American Meteorological Society Announces 2027 Weather, Water, and Climate Honorees"

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has opened registration for experts to review First Order Draft of Working Group I contribution to the Seventh Assessment Report. The expert review, the first of multiple review stages, will run from 10 August to 2 October 2026.