Climate data for adaptation: uncovering real-world use
Abstract
A summary poster highlighting qualitative research on climate adaptation in businesses. With a changing climate it is important for adaptations to be reflected in a variety of socio-economic activites, from buildings and infrastructure to health and agriculture. Climate data models are a rich and high quality source of information, but there are challenges in its use, from the vastness of the available data to the uncertainty of future projections. Conversations with users and providers revealed a range of challenges based on data use, delayed relevance and everyday frictions. www.linkedin.com/in/vicky-lucas The full thesis is available at dx.doi.org/10.14288/1.0450046
Full text
Climate data for adaptation: uncovering real-world use Helping society adapt to a warmer world requires more than just providing long-term climate data. Interviews with 30 users and providers identified six factors influencing how people interpret and apply data, shaped by professional and social settings. The digital overwhelm of climate model outputs is counteracted with personal relationships to support understanding. For long-term projections with inherent uncertainty, the credibility of the providers serves as a proxy for certainty. Subjectivity influences data use, such as risk tolerances. The transactional nature of work demands quick or outsourced answers to complex issues. Fundamental systemic factors, such as organisational will or experiencing severe events, are key influencers. Climate information services need to be enduring, people-centred systems , delivering authoritative and tailored support for adaptation decisions. Vicky Lucas Full research available DOI:10.14288/1.0450046