Science
Science is knowledge or a system of knowledge about the physical world and its phenomena. Many environmental threats would be unknown without scientific research or discovered too late for the development of appropriate policies.
Environmental policy rests on a foundation of scientific research. However, the process of scientific research is not always geared to the needs of policymaking. Science seeks to prove or disprove hypotheses as a strategy for reaching enduring answers. Policy is limited in time and location: decisions must be made at a given time for a specific jurisdiction. Policymakers seek the best possible answers to issues because there is a constituency that requires an answer. Effective environmental policy requires facts derived from science as well as principles and goals derived from policy analysis. However, simply providing more scientific information does not create better policy. Scientists and policymakers often speak two different languages. An effective science-policy interface is often needed to negotiate and mediate between science and policy so that the evidence scientists provide is understandable to policymakers and other stakeholders.
Events and Articles
Showing 61 - 70 of 131 results
35th Session of the IPCC (IPCC-35)
Talks focused on work resulting from the consideration of the InterAcademy Council Review of IPCC processes and procedures, namely those on: governance and management; procedures for the IPCC reports; and the communications strategy.
Bonn Climate Change Conference - May 2012
Delegates faced a heavy workload, including the tasks needed to operationalize the institutions and mechanisms established in Cancun and Durban. Parties also had to try to demystify what it was they had agreed to during the waning hours of the frenzied COP 17. However, negotiations got off to an inauspicious start and the Bonn Climate Change Conference was marred by mistrust and unabashed posturing.
34th Session of the IPCC (IPCC-34)
The IPCC adopted the revised Procedures for the Preparation, Review, Acceptance, Adoption, Approval and Publication of IPCC Reports, as well as the Implementation Procedures and Disclosure Form for the Conflict of Interest Policy. The Panel also formally accepted the Summary for Policy Makers of the Special Report on Managing the Risks of Extreme Events and Disasters to Advance Climate Change Adaptation.
33rd Session of the IPCC (IPCC-33)
The IPCC decided to establish an Executive Committee, adopted a Conflict of Interest Policy, and introduced several changes to the rules of procedure as well as accepting the Summary for Policymakers of the Special Report on Renewable Energy Sources and Climate Change Mitigation.