From: http://wattsupwiththat.com/2011/12/18/weekly-climate-and-energy-news-roundup-37
“More importantly for international agreements, many scientists in Russia openly question the IPCC as do, increasingly, scientists in China and India. Angered by the false claims of the IPCC and the arrogant dismissal of contradicting evidence by India’s fine experts on the melting of Himalayan glaciers, India has formed its own national panel on climate change.

Unlike prior reports, the IPCC AR-5 is unlikely to be accepted by everyone as a definitive study. Perhaps, being forewarned, the IPCC may produce a superior, unbiased, study on the causes of climate change, both natural and human. But, what Roger Pielke Sr terms, the oligarchy remains firmly in control and it is difficult to overestimate the arrogance of international bureaucrats.”

At least one ace still remains up-sleeve (kimono sleeve that is) and I’m sure there will be a lot of in-house research being carried out over the next 4 years as you say.

Maybe I’m a pollyanna, but this gives me some hope that the Bureau might be getting more cautious. They cant keep taking unanswerable hits like the friendly IAC report, Donna’s amazing book and Ross McKitrick’s thoughtful critique without feeling somewhat vulnerable.

On top of all that, the two Climategates have alerted lead authors to the fact that they could easily end up explaining things to an Enquiry. And the obvious damage from Himalayagate, Amazongate, etc must make them more cautious about grey sources and evidence-free hyperbole.