Thesis Title: Mapping engagement with climate adaptation information: What’s used, by whom, and to do what?
Abstract: Climate models, scenarios, and projections are crucial sources of information that can help us to decide how to minimise future risks and how to realise new opportunities. But too often climate information goes unused, as it can be too complex or too uncertain, and the less able to adapt may lack the time, resources, capacity, and technical know-how needed to use climate information.
The Met Office – responsible for weather forecasting and climate projections in the UK – has worked closely with decision-makers to improve the usability and use of its climate information. Yet it’s not always clear what ‘use’ means, nor is it guaranteed that something that’s ‘usable’ will be used. Users have different needs, face different decisions, and have different capacities – distinctions missed by a one-size-fits-all approach. The aim of this project is to understand what the use of climate information really means, and map out how use varies between users.
To deliver the right information, to the right people, and at the right level, an evidence-base is urgently needed that can map out the diversity of users and uses. What are the similarities and/or differences between city planners, water managers, and farmers over what climate information they use? How do they use that information? And to what extent are their needs met?
Primary Supervisor: Dr. James Porter
Social Media: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ximenabh/