From science to policy: developing responses to climate change

Abstract

Climate change poses risks to human health, ecosystems, social and cultural systems, and economic development. It also provides opportunities. The goals of climate policy should be to reduce the risks and take advantage of the opportunities. Adapting to the potential effects of climate change is a complex and ongoing process requiring actions by individuals, communities, governments and international agencies. In order to make informed decisions, policymakers will need timely and useful information about the possible consequences of climate change, people’s perceptions of whether the consequences are positive or negative, available adaptation options, and the benefits of slowing the rate of climate change. The challenge for the assessment community is to provide this information. Assessments must be made of the potential consequences of climate change, as well as of opportunities to adapt in order to reduce the risks, or take advantage of the opportunities, presented by change. A policy-focused assessment is an ongoing process designed to provide timely and useful information to decision-makers (1). Assessment products that address decision-makers’ specific questions must be produced so that they coincide with decision points. Decisions will be made, including decisions to do nothing, whether or not the science is complete and the scientific community is prepared to provide input (2). Decisions made today might influence future opportunities to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and to adapt to a changing climate. Once policymakers have received information from the assessment community, their challenge is to integrate this information (where appropriate) to