Final Report: Assessing Climate Change Vulnerability and Adaptation in the Great Basin
Dates
Date Received
2016-11
Citation
Final Project Report: Assessing Climate Change Vulnerability and Adaptation in the Great Basin: .
Summary
The availability and use of climate science for decision-making involves a complex dynamic between science provider and potential user. Significant research has been conducted on the use of science in decision making, in general, and more recently on the use of such tools as vulnerability assessments (VAs), integrated assessments, and ecological and ecosystems assessments, in decision making. Findings have shown that significant barriers and constraints are in place for the integration of climate science into traditional institutional methods of decision making or planning (Leonard, et al 2008; Lindquist 2010, 2011). This research focused on the Great Basin region of the western United States (represented institutionally by the Great [...]
Summary
The availability and use of climate science for decision-making involves a complex dynamic between science provider and potential user. Significant research has been conducted on the use of science in decision making, in general, and more recently on the use of such tools as vulnerability assessments (VAs), integrated assessments, and ecological and ecosystems assessments, in decision making. Findings have shown that significant barriers and constraints are in place for the integration of climate science into traditional institutional methods of decision making or planning (Leonard, et al 2008; Lindquist 2010, 2011). This research focused on the Great Basin region of the western United States (represented institutionally by the Great Basin Landscape Conservation Cooperative - GBLCC) to develop a comprehensive understanding of the use of climate science in the region, the availability and utility of vulnerability assessment for decision makers, and the science and information gaps that continue to exist for intended users. Through the development of a comprehensive literature review and an on-line survey of Great Basin related stakeholders and decision makers, research suggests that vulnerability assessments (VAs) as a general decision tool are not well understood, accepted or applied in the decision context in the Great Basin study area. The significant number of VAs available and the lack of awareness of these tools, as well as competition among decision tools in general contribute to this situation. Considering this situation, however, the utility of VAs in general, for natural resource decision making has yet to be fully explored. The rapidly moving pace of VA development, changing demands on natural resources decision makers, and a general lack of funding for decision tools creates an opportunity for further assessment of VAs in support of climate change adaptation and vulnerability in the Great Basin and beyond.
