The key findings, as highlighted in the report by the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), are as follows: climate change is driven by human emissions of greenhouse gases; it has been significantly impacting the planet for decades; and the continued increase in emissions, which is being mitigated but at a pace too slow, risks further deterioration of the situation. Denial of climate change lacks any scientific foundation, and urgent, decisive action is required to achieve zero emissions and advance decarbonisation.

“The events of recent years – from floods to record-breaking temperatures – leave no doubt that the climate is changing, and scientific research confirms that human activities are to blame. The doubts expressed by some often stem from a poor understanding of the science. Even if the proportion of greenhouse gas emissions generated by human activity seems small, it is precisely this contribution that tips the balance, driving global warming and climate change. As we can already see today – not only through climate change but also through other consequences such as biodiversity loss – we are in the midst of a profound crisis. If we want to keep our planet habitable for future generations, urgent and decisive action is essential. Debates on these critical issues should be organised at the highest level within the Republic of Slovenia's institutions, such as the National Council, inviting experts with relevant expertise and grounding the discussion in scientific evidence,” noted the Rector of the University of Ljubljana, Prof. Dr Gregor Majdič.

The Director of the Jožef Stefan Institute, Prof. Dr Boštjan Zalar, stresses that the Institute unequivocally trusts the opinions of experts. “As a leading scientific research institution, we place full confidence in the views of professionals in the field of climate change research, which are based on scientifically supported arguments. I fully agree that the consequences of climate change must be addressed responsibly, swiftly and decisively, and that the highest institutions of the Republic of Slovenia should advocate for expert perspectives in this area. While the Jožef Stefan Institute does not conduct holistic research into climate change, it does explore specific aspects, for instance, through its Department of Environmental Sciences. It is important to note that the Jožef Stefan Institute colleagues who participated in the National Council debate were expressing their personal opinions, not the official position of the Institute.”