What Will Change Now That South Korea’s Hoesung Lee Is Head Of UN Climate Panel?

69-year-old Hoesung Lee has been elected as the new head of the UN climate panel, according to NYCity Today.

Lee, an expert on climate economics and sustainable development, will be contributing by overseeing a new chapter for the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), according to BBC News.

The new phase will reportedly see the panel increase its focus on the regional impacts of climate change, promoting more diverse voices as well as balancing those of developing countries.

“I believe it's very important that for the next round of assessment, we should be able to increase the intellectual contributions from developing countries," explained Lee, who is a professor in the graduate school of energy and environment at Korea University.

“The next phase of our work will see us increase our understanding of regional impacts, especially in developing countries, and improve the way we communicate our findings to the public.”

There were reportedly five other nominees in the election. Lee was reportedly picked over Jean Pascal van Ypersele from Belgium, 78 votes to 56. The professor is reportedly the fourth person to lead the IPCC in its 27-year history.

Lee is replacing Rajendra Pachauri, who reportedly resigned following an alleged sexual harassment scandal in February.

Lee stated that he was “very much honored and very grateful” that the panel elected him.