A key risk is defined as a potentially severe risk and therefore especially relevant to the interpretation of dangerous anthropogenic interference  with the climate system, the prevention of which is the ultimate objective of the UNFCCC as stated in its Article 2 . Key risks are therefore a relevant lens for the interpretation of this policy framing. The severity of a risk is a context-specific judgement based on a number of criteria discussed below. KRs are 'potentially' severe because, while some could already reflect dangerous interference now, more typically they may become severe over time due to changes in the nature of hazards  and/or of the exposure/vulnerability of societies or ecosystems to those hazards. They also may become severe due to the adverse consequences of adaptation or mitigation responses to the risk . Dangerous interferences in this chapter are considered over the course of the 21st century.
IPCC
Climate Change 2022: Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability
IPCC Report