Climate Change 2007 – Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability provides the most comprehensive and up-to-datescientific assessment of the impacts of climate change, the vulnerability of natural and human environments, and thepotential for response through adaptation. The report:

• evaluates evidence that recent observed changes in climate have already affected a variety of physical andbiological systems and concludes that these effects can be attributed to global warming;

• makes a detailed assessment of the impacts of future climate change and sea-level rise on ecosystems, waterresources, agriculture and food security, human health, coastal and low-lying regions and industry and settle-ments;

• provides a complete new assessment of the impacts of climate change on major regions of the world (Africa,Asia, Australia/New Zealand, Europe, Latin America, North America, polar regions and small islands);

• considers responses through adaptation;

• explores the synergies and trade-offs between adaptation and mitigation;

• evaluates the key vulnerabilities to climate change, and assesses aggregate damage levels and the role ofmultiple stresses.

This latest assessment by the IPCC will form the standard scientific reference for all those concerned with theconsequences of climate change, including students and researchers in ecology, biology, hydrology, environmentalscience, economics, social science, natural resource management, public health, food security and natural hazards, andpolicymakers and managers in governments, industry and other organisations responsible for resources likely to beaffected by climate change.