Climate in Context: Science and Society Partnering for Adaptation

Society is increasingly affected by climate impacts, from prolonged water shortages to damaging coastal floods and wildfires. Scientists studying climate variations are eager to have their knowledge used in adaptive decision making. To achieve this, science and society must engage productively around complex management and policy challenges. For over 20 years, the science-society interface has been fertile ground for the Regional Integrated Sciences and Assessments (RISA) programs sponsored by the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. 
 
Climate in Context describes what it takes to help scientists and stakeholders work together to “co-produce” climate science knowledge, policy, and action. This state-of-the art synthesis reflects on lessons learned by RISA programs, and provides a sober assessment of the challenges ahead. Through case studies from various US regions, this book provides lessons and guidance for organizations and individuals who want to work at the science-society interface on a range of climate challenges.

Adam Parris, M.S., is Executive Director of the Science and Resilience Institute at Jamaica Bay, a partnership between the City of New York, the National Park Service, and nine universities working in the New York-New Jersey Harbor, including his home institution the City University of New York - Brooklyn College.

Gregg Garfin, Ph.D., is Associate Professor and Associate Extension Specialist in Climate Science, Policy & Natural Resources, in the School of Natural Resources and the Environment, and Deputy Director for Science Translation and Outreach in the Institute of the Environment at the University of Arizona.

Kirstin Dow, Ph.D., is Professor of Geography in the University of South Carolina. She leads the Carolinas Integrated Sciences and Assessments (CISA), one of the eleven NOAA-sponsored RISA teams, helping to expand and build the nation’s capacity to prepare for and adapt to climate variability and change through building partnerships.

Ryan Meyer is Senior Scientist at the California Ocean Science Trust, an organization that works across traditional boundaries between government, communities, and science to build trust and understanding in ocean and coastal science.

Sarah L. Close, Ph.D., is a Program Specialist in the Climate and Societal Interactions division of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Climate Program Office where she helps manage the RISA program, in addition to working on climate adaptation in coastal ecosystems. Sarah is supported by the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR).