Political Implications of Data Presentation

This research paper, authored by three IPCC members, analyzes the tension between scientific analysis and governmental input during the approval of the Summary for Policy-makers (SPM) and suggests an alternative approach to the process.

• The authors argue that attempts to insulate the IPCC process from government influence based on claims of overreach are based on a 'misleadingly simple interpretation' and would likely reduce the policy relevance of the Summary for Policy-makers (SPM).
• The distinction between the main report, which is 'accepted', and the SPM, which is 'approved' by governments, is critical because the approval process provides the SPM with a significant level of governmental ownership.
• The authors contend that the approval process should be maintained because it is the specific element that differentiates the IPCC from other technical reports.

APA

Stockholm Environment Institute (2014). Political Implications of Data Presentation. https://www.sei.org/publications/political-implications-of-data-presentation/

Chicago

Stockholm Environment Institute. Political Implications of Data Presentation. 2014. https://www.sei.org/publications/political-implications-of-data-presentation/.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=Stockholm Environment Institute |title=Political Implications of Data Presentation |date=11 July 2014 |url=https://www.sei.org/publications/political-implications-of-data-presentation/ |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{stockholmenvironmentinstitute2014political, author = {{Stockholm Environment Institute}}, title = {{Political Implications of Data Presentation}}, institution = {Stockholm Environment Institute}, year = {2014}, month = jul, url = {https://www.sei.org/publications/political-implications-of-data-presentation/}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }