Bridging the climate information gap: a framework for engaging knowledge brokers and decision makers in state climate assessments

Gillian L. Galford (), Julie Nash, Alan K. Betts, Sam Carlson, Sarah Ford, Ann Hoogenboom, Deborah Markowitz, Andrew Nash, Elizabeth Palchak, Sarah Pears and Kristen L. Underwood
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Gillian L. Galford: University of Vermont
Julie Nash: University of Vermont
Alan K. Betts: Atmospheric Research
Sam Carlson: University of Vermont
Sarah Ford: University of Vermont
Ann Hoogenboom: University of Vermont
Deborah Markowitz: Vermont Agency of Natural Resources
Andrew Nash: NOAA/National Weather Service
Elizabeth Palchak: University of Vermont
Sarah Pears: University of Vermont
Kristen L. Underwood: University of Vermont

Climatic Change, 2016, vol. 138, issue 3, No 3, 383-395

Abstract: Abstract Large-scale analyses like the National Climate Assessment (NCA) contain a wealth of information critical to national and regional responses to climate change but tend to be insufficiently detailed for action at state or local levels. Many states now engage in assessment processes to meet information needs for local authorities. The goals of state climate assessments (SCAs) should be to provide relevant, actionable information to state and local authorities, and to generate primary sources, build networks and inform stakeholders. To communicate local climate impacts to decision makers, SCAs should express credibility, salience and legitimacy. They can provide information (e.g., case studies, data sets) and connect stakeholders to the NCA and its process. Based on our experience in the Vermont Climate Assessment (VCA), we present a framework to engage decision makers in SCAs using a fluid network of scientific experts and knowledge brokers to conduct subject area prioritization, data analysis and writing. The VCA addressed economic, environmental and social impacts of climate change at local scales to increase resiliency and manage risk. Knowledge brokers communicated VCA findings through their own stakeholder networks. We include a qualitative impact evaluation, and believe our framework for interaction among scientists, knowledge brokers and stakeholders to be an effective structure for SCAs and a transformative experience for students.

Keywords: Climate change assessment; Vermont; Decision support; Stakeholder engagement; Citizen science (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2016
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DOI: 10.1007/s10584-016-1756-4

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