Scientists from 75 countries have gathered in Arusha to shape the scientific evidence that will inform the next major global assessment of climate change, amid growing concerns over the impact of extreme weather on infrastructure, economies and vulnerable communities.
The five-day meeting of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Working Group I, which opened on November 2, 2026, is expected to strengthen scientific contributions to the organisation's Seventh Assessment Report, which will guide international understanding and policy responses to climate change.
Opening the meeting on behalf of Prime Minister Mwigulu Nchemba, Transport Minister Prof Makame Mbarawa said Tanzania's role as host reflected its commitment to international scientific cooperation and the use of evidence in shaping sustainable development policies.
"Climate change is not merely a future threat. Its effects are already being felt across the world, particularly in developing countries, including African nations and small island states," he said.
Prof Mbarawa said the increasing frequency and severity of extreme weather events made it necessary for governments to incorporate climate science into long-term development planning, particularly when investing in infrastructure.
He pointed to the transport sector as one of the areas increasingly exposed to climate-related risks, including heavy rainfall, flooding, extreme temperatures and storms.
Such events can damage infrastructure, disrupt transport services and increase the cost of maintaining roads and other public facilities, making climate resilience an important consideration in development investments.
The minister's remarks placed the meeting's scientific agenda in the context of practical development challenges facing countries such as Tanzania, where infrastructure expansion must increasingly account for changing weather patterns.
Tanzania Meteorological Authority (TMA) Director General and IPCC Vice-Chairman Dr Ladislaus Chang'a said reliable weather information and early warning systems were critical in helping countries prepare for extreme weather events and minimise their consequences.
He called for stronger cooperation between scientists, government institutions, communities and different economic sectors to ensure that scientific information translated into practical action.
Early warnings, he said, were particularly important in enabling communities and institutions to take preventive measures before extreme weather events cause damage.
IPCC Chairman Prof Sir Jim Skea commended the Tanzanian government, Arusha Region and TMA for their contribution to organising the meeting.
He also emphasised the need for precision in scientific communication, particularly when presenting findings that could influence government policies and international climate negotiations.
Prof Skea said IPCC authors needed to choose their words carefully to ensure that scientific assessments remained accurate, credible and relevant to decision-making.
The distinction is important because the language used in scientific assessments can influence how governments interpret climate risks and formulate policies to address them.
The meeting, taking place at the Pan-African Postal Union (PAPU) International Conference Centre, runs until November 6 and brings together leading climate scientists from 75 countries.
It is organised by the IPCC in collaboration with the Tanzanian government through TMA.
Beyond contributing to the Seventh Assessment Report, the gathering provides an opportunity to strengthen collaboration between Tanzanian, African and international researchers.
It is also expected to increase Africa's participation in the global climate science process, ensuring that the continent's scientific expertise and climate-related experiences are reflected in international assessments.
For Tanzania, hosting the meeting offers an opportunity to deepen its role in international climate science discussions while strengthening the link between scientific research, development planning and responses to climate-related challenges.