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Climate change research and the search for solutions: rethinking interdisciplinarity

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  • E. Lisa F. Schipper

    (University of Oxford)

  • Navroz K. Dubash

    (Centre for Policy Research)

  • Yacob Mulugetta

    (University College London)

Abstract

Growing political pressure to find solutions to climate change is leading to increasing calls for multiple disciplines, in particular those that are not traditionally part of climate change research, to contribute new knowledge systems that can offer deeper and broader insights to address the problem. Recognition of the complexity of climate change compels researchers to draw on interdisciplinary knowledge that marries natural sciences with social sciences and humanities. Yet most interdisciplinary approaches fail to adequately merge the framings of the disparate disciplines, resulting in reductionist messages that are largely devoid of context, and hence provide incomplete and misleading analysis for decision-making. For different knowledge systems to work better together toward climate solutions, we need to reframe the way questions are asked and research pursued, in order to inform action without slipping into reductionism. We suggest that interdisciplinarity needs to be rethought. This will require accepting a plurality of narratives, embracing multiple disciplinary perspectives, and shifting expectations of public messaging, and above all looking to integrate the appropriate disciplines that can help understand human systems in order to better mediate action.

Suggested Citation

  • E. Lisa F. Schipper & Navroz K. Dubash & Yacob Mulugetta, 2021. "Climate change research and the search for solutions: rethinking interdisciplinarity," Climatic Change, Springer, vol. 168(3), pages 1-11, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:climat:v:168:y:2021:i:3:d:10.1007_s10584-021-03237-3
    DOI: 10.1007/s10584-021-03237-3
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    2. Pamela McElwee, 2025. "A tale of two panels: learning and coordinating across IPCC, IPBES, and other science-policy interfaces," Climatic Change, Springer, vol. 178(3), pages 1-20, March.
    3. David Maggs & John Robinson & Leanna Butters, 2025. "The culture gap in the climate crisis," Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies for Global Change, Springer, vol. 30(4), pages 1-12, April.
    4. Gloria Freschi & Marialuisa Menegatto & Adriano Zamperini, 2023. "How Can Psychology Contribute to Climate Change Governance? A Systematic Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(19), pages 1-24, September.
    5. Sara M. Amolegbe & Adeline R. Lopez & Maria L. Velasco & Danielle J. Carlin & Michelle L. Heacock & Heather F. Henry & Brittany A. Trottier & William A. Suk, 2022. "Adapting to Climate Change: Leveraging Systems-Focused Multidisciplinary Research to Promote Resilience," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(22), pages 1-18, November.
    6. Saffron O’Neill & Roz Pidcock, 2021. "Introducing the Topical Collection: ‘Climate change communication and the IPCC’," Climatic Change, Springer, vol. 169(3), pages 1-7, December.
    7. Niklas Wagner & Anna-Katharina Hornidge, 2025. "Unlearning modernity? A critical examination of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)," Climatic Change, Springer, vol. 178(2), pages 1-29, February.

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