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

Author

Listed:
  • Gillian L. Galford

    (University of Vermont
    University of Vermont)

  • Julie Nash

    (University of Vermont
    University of Vermont)

  • Alan K. Betts

    (Atmospheric Research)

  • Sam Carlson

    (University of Vermont
    University of Vermont)

  • Sarah Ford

    (University of Vermont
    University of Vermont)

  • Ann Hoogenboom

    (University of Vermont
    Cabot Creamery Cooperative
    University of Vermont)

  • Deborah Markowitz

    (Vermont Agency of Natural Resources)

  • Andrew Nash

    (NOAA/National Weather Service)

  • Elizabeth Palchak

    (University of Vermont
    University of Vermont)

  • Sarah Pears

    (University of Vermont
    University of Vermont)

  • Kristen L. Underwood

    (University of Vermont)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Gillian L. Galford & Julie Nash & Alan K. Betts & Sam Carlson & Sarah Ford & Ann Hoogenboom & Deborah Markowitz & Andrew Nash & Elizabeth Palchak & Sarah Pears & Kristen L. Underwood, 2016. "Bridging the climate information gap: a framework for engaging knowledge brokers and decision makers in state climate assessments," Climatic Change, Springer, vol. 138(3), pages 383-395, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:climat:v:138:y:2016:i:3:d:10.1007_s10584-016-1756-4
    DOI: 10.1007/s10584-016-1756-4
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Katharine Jacobs & James Buizer, 2016. "Building community, credibility and knowledge: the third US National Climate Assessment," Climatic Change, Springer, vol. 135(1), pages 9-22, March.
    2. Emily Cloyd & Susanne C. Moser & Edward Maibach & Julie Maldonado & Tinqiao Chen, 2016. "Engagement in the Third U.S. National Climate Assessment: commitment, capacity, and communication for impact," Climatic Change, Springer, vol. 135(1), pages 39-54, March.
    3. Katharine Hayhoe & Cameron Wake & Bruce Anderson & Xin-Zhong Liang & Edwin Maurer & Jinhong Zhu & James Bradbury & Art DeGaetano & Anne Stoner & Donald Wuebbles, 2008. "Regional climate change projections for the Northeast USA," Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies for Global Change, Springer, vol. 13(5), pages 425-436, June.
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    5. Emily Cloyd & Susanne Moser & Edward Maibach & Julie Maldonado & Tinqiao Chen, 2016. "Engagement in the Third U.S. National Climate Assessment: commitment, capacity, and communication for impact," Climatic Change, Springer, vol. 135(1), pages 39-54, March.
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