The role of indigenous knowledge and local knowledge in water sector adaptation to climate change in Africa: a structured assessment Evidence is increasing of human responses to the impacts of climate change in Africa. However, understanding of the effectiveness of these responses for adaptation to climate change across the diversity of African contexts is still… Read more »
Power dynamics in transdisciplinary research for sustainable urban transitions Transdisciplinary Research (TDR) fosters collaboration amongst stakeholders from different academic disciplines and sectors of society, to jointly search for solutions to complex challenges including rapid urbanization. In order to enhance collaboration and ensure reciprocity of expertize amongst stakeholders, flattening the hierarchy of power is critical for… Read more »
The Working Group II contribution to the IPCC Sixth Assessment Report assesses the impacts of climate change, looking at ecosystems, biodiversity, and human communities at global and regional levels. It also reviews vulnerabilities and the capacities and limits of the natural world and human societies to adapt to climate change. CSAG researchers Chris Lennard (lead… Read more »
In this episode, we explore the concept of impact models, which are models that use climate information as input then make specific projections, or produce narratives about impacts within an end-user sector. This user then incorporates this specific information into appropriate decision-making. Within climate services, this process is an expanding field. Peter Johnston talks to… Read more »
Attribution of severe low rainfall in southern Madagascar, 2019-21 Main findings • Southern Madagascar has been facing a severe food security crisis, made significantly worse by well below average rainfall from July 2019 to June 2021. This exceptional drought has affected a region with high pre-existing levels of vulnerability to food insecurity, and the impacts… Read more »
In this Episode we explore the concept of the climate services value chain – the idea that climate information is produced by scientists and then fed down a chain of intermediaries who tailor or transform it, until it reaches its intended “end” user.” This user then incorporates that information into decision making. Within the climate… Read more »
Embedded researchers as transdisciplinary boundary spanners strengthening urban climate resilience Knowledge of climate patterns and associated risks is relevant to making planning and resource management decisions at the urban scale. However, available scientific climate information is often poorly suited to decision-making needs. New ways of producing knowledge, both about the climate and urban decision-making, are… Read more »
Climate change literacy in Africa Climate change literacy encompasses being aware of both climate change and its anthropogenic cause, and thus underpins informed mitigation and adaptation responses. However, climate change literacy rates and their predictors remain poorly understood across the Global South. Here analysis of Africa’s largest representative public opinion survey shows climate change literacy ranges… Read more »
Negotiation of knowledge for coastal management? Reflections from a transdisciplinary experiment in South Africa Hybrid science-society approaches for knowledge production are often framed by a transdisciplinary approach. Most forms of “linear” progression of science informing policy or the “production” of knowledge as a one-way process are increasingly being challenged. This is also true for coastal… Read more »