Stefan Rahmstorf, a professor of physics and oceanography at University of Potsdam, argued in 2007 that the IPCC's tendency to make conservative risk assessments had benefits. Rahmstorf argued that "In a way, it is one of the strengths of the IPCC to be very conservative and cautious and not overstate any climate change risk". IPCC reports aim to inform policymakers about the state of knowledge on climate change. They do this by assessing the findings of the thousands of scientific papers available on the subject at a given time. Individual publications may have different conclusions to IPCC reports. This includes those appearing just after the release of an IPCC report. This can lead to criticism that the IPCC is either alarmist or conservative. New findings must wait for the next assessment for consideration.
Stefan Rahmstorf a professor of physics and oceanography at University of Potsdam argued in 2007 that the IPCC's tendency to make conservative risk assessments had benefits Rahmstorf argued that "In a way it is one of the strengths of the IPCC to be very conservative and cautious and not overstate any climate change risk" IPCC reports aim to inform policymakers about the state of knowledge on climate change They do this by assessing the findings of the thousands of scientific papers available on the subject at a given time Individual publications may have different conclusions to IPCC reports This includes those appearing just after the release of an IPCC report This can lead to criticism that the IPCC is either alarmist or conservative New findings must wait for the next assessment for consideration