The IPCC Working Group II  assesses the impacts of climate change, from a world-wide to a regional view of ecosystems and biodiversity, and of humans and their diverse societies, cultures and settlements. It considers their vulnerabilities and the capacities and limits of these natural and human systems to adapt to climate change and thereby reduce climate-associated risks together with options for creating a sustainable future for all through an equitable and integrated approach to mitigation and adaptation efforts at all scales.

Working Group II is led by two Co-Chairs, Bart van den Hurk, based in the Netherlands, and Winston Chow, based in Singapore. They are supported by eight Vice-Chairs from different regions who make up the Working Group II Bureau. Bureau members provide guidance to the Panel on the scientific and technical aspects of its work, advise on related management and strategic issues, and take decisions on specific issues such as the selection of authors and review editors. They also oversee scientific quality and engages with the wider scientific community, both regionally and globally. The Co-Chairs and Bureau Members are supported by the Working Group II Technical Support Unit.