Conclusions and the future of climate research - The Global Climate System: Patterns, Processes, and Teleconnections - page 327

Table 10.3 Some problems and difficulties in communication between
scientists and policy decision makers (based on concepts from Kinzig and
Starrett 2003 )

Science Policy

Priorities
advance knowledge
investigate what is not known
build on earlier knowledge
accuracy (the cost of incorrect
knowledge is high)
protect against inaccurate knowledge
identify error
ensure small probability of error

Priorities
address challenges to society
ensure human welfare
timely responses
actions may need to precede
knowledge
avoid political and social costs
ensure security of government
economics and development

Communications problems occur because of:
differences in ranking priorities
differences in language
differences in standards
lack of scientific consensus
scientific quantification of uncertainties difficult
scientific information not useable for policy
scientific evidence not important or acceptable to policy
special interest lobby groups have priority to policy
lack of understanding and knowledge
political and economic differences

Ways of overcoming communications problems:
combined science-policy forums at highest levels
incorporate science into all decision making analysis
develop national and international consensus on appropriate responses
translate science-speak into policy-speak
consider the consequences
improve methods of presenting uncertainties
accept compromise where necessary
improve willingness to make decisions within uncertainty
improve public education and understanding
develop policy/planning approaches that are flexible and can change
direction
encourage holistic solutions
community involvement