The value of climate information is dependent upon effective linkages between the development of scientific data, through to analysis and tailoring, and then communications with the decision makers and other audiences.  The increased global variety of data holdings, the proliferation of portals, along with limited stakeholder-relevant analysis and weak communication of tailored knowledge products, collectively undermine the effectiveness of climate change responses.

The project had two priorities: the integration of information sources and the tailoring of data into relevant information products.

The first focus was addressed by evolving data and portal tools. This has enhanced integration between the satellite observational holdings at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), and the surface historical, downscaled, and climate model projection data at the University of Cape Town’s Climate System Analysis Group (CSAG).  This built on existing portal capacity at each institution, and sought the value of bringing multiple lines of evidence to bear on regional climate change questions.

The second focus was on the linkages in the chain of information down to stakeholder policy, adaptation, and decision contexts. In this way the end-to-end effectiveness is evaluated, and the key knowledge constraints realised.  The activity has drawn on existing relationships with stakeholders in Africa.

Lead: Prof. Bruce Hewitson (Climate System Analysis Group, University of Cape Town, South Africa)

CDKN funding: £84,000

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