Editing IPCC:AR6/WGI/Chapter-Atlas (section)

==== Atlas.2.4.1 Purpose of the Interactive Atlas ====

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The primary purpose of the IPCC is to provide a policy-relevant, non-prescriptive assessment of the state of knowledge on climate change and its impacts. This purpose is different from the provision of information targeted to implement climate policies, which is the focus of climate services and national climate change assessment communities. IPCC assessments are based on quantitative observational and model-generated data that are also used in many activities supporting the development of climate policies. However, the functionality of the Interactive Atlas is primarily aimed at supporting the knowledge assessment.

Much of the assessment in this report is based on multiple lines of evidence (Cross-Chapter Box 10.3). The Interactive Atlas facilitates combining multiple observational and model-generated datasets and spatial and temporal analyses that combine to support statements on the characteristics of the climate system. The use of predefined spatial and temporal aggregations imposes constraints on the ability to make specific or tailored assessments but does provide essential background and uncertainty information to generate broad findings and provide confidence statements on these. Also, the inclusion of a selection of extremes and climatic impact-drivers (CIDs) is a new element in the Interactive Atlas and facilitates broader application, including the handshake with WGII. Below, some guidelines on the use, interpretation and limitations of the Interactive Atlas are given.

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