The aim of this project is to improve understanding of the constraints and opportunities associated with the communication/visualisation of uncertain climate information to decision-makers. The specific objectives are to test approaches for communicating/visualising climate information, analyse best practices, develop guidelines and provide training based on the findings of the research.
The methodology relies on conducting structured interviews of a sample of scientists and decision-makers and will employ cognitive psychology theory. The interviews are structured to identify imbalances between scientist’s views on aspects of uncertainty that are important to communicate, aspects of uncertainty that are difficult to communicate and policy-makers views on aspects of uncertainty that are relevant to their decision-making. An analysis of which should provide insight into the cognitive challenges experienced by decision-makers when trying to understand uncertainties. The process will also identify the type of narratives and metaphors decision-makers use when trying to comprehend uncertainty and how to maximise understanding.
Time Frames: January 2017 to January 2018
Funders: Climate and Development Knowledge Network (CDKN) and Future Climate for Africa (FCFA)
Partners:
- University of East Anglia (UK)
- Laboratory of Oceanography and Climate: Experiments and Digital Approaches (LOCEAN)
- University of Sussex (UK)
- Centre for Ecology and Hydrology (UK)
- Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI) Oxford
- Université Cheikh Anta Diop (Senegal)
- VNG Consulting Ltd
For further details: contact Chris Jack or Alice McClure
