Analysis of Global Change Assessments

Lessons Learned

,

• Publisher: National Academies Press
• Year: 2007
• Edition: 0
• eBook ISBN:
  9780309105453
• Topic: Technology & Engineering
• Index: Technology & Engineering

Global change assessments inform decision makers about the scientific underpinnings of a range of environmental issues, such as climate change, stratospheric ozone depletion, and loss of biodiversity. Dozens of assessments have been conducted to date by various U.S. and international groups, many of them influencing public policies, technology development, and research directions. This report analyzes strengths and weaknesses of eight past assessments to inform future efforts. Common elements of effective assessments include strong leadership, extensive engagement with interested and affected parties, a transparent science-policy interface, and well defined communication strategies. The report identifies 11 essential elements of effective assessments and recommends that future assessments include decision support tools that make use of information at the regional and local level where decisions are made.

Table of contents

• FrontMatter
• Preface
• Acknowledgments
• Contents
• Summary
• 1 Introduction
• 2 Diversity of Assessments and Their Potential Contributions
• 3 Major Challenges to Achieving an Effective Assessment Process
• 4 Case Studies of Global Change Assessments
• 5 Advice for Effective Assessments
• References
• Appendixes
• A Statement of Task
• B U.S. Global Change Research Act of 1990 Public Law 101-606 [S.169]
• C Climate Change Science Program Synthesis and Assessment Products
• D Climate Change Science Program Guidelines for Producing Its Synthesis and Assessment Products
• E Biographical Sketches of Committee Members
• F Acronyms