Stewart Cohen
Adaptation & Impacts Research Division, Environment Canada
Contact: stewart.cohen@ec.gc.ca
Successful application of climate change science in decision making is about more than reducing uncertainty in climate models or in detecting precipitation trends. An important element is the translation of climate scenario information into “the damage report” accounting for both changes in the biophysical environment and changes in land use, water use, development and governance that can alter relationships between climate and society. This requires an interdisciplinary approach in which teams with various research and professional skills apply a range of analytical tools to a set of common scenarios. This is supported by dialogue with local practitioners who can offer insights into the management and planning of climate-sensitive systems. This experience can lay the foundation for assessment of effectiveness of response options for individual cases, as well as for communication of these concerns to communities and governments. Examples are offered from a case study of Okanagan water management, and participation in the IPCC Third and Fourth Assessments.