Decision making under uncertainty: bridging the gap between end user needs and climate science capability

This study addresses the recognised gap between what climate science can currently provide and what end users of that information require in order to make robust adaptation decisions about their climate related risks. It identifies five key contributing factors to the gap: (i) uncertainty in climate science; (ii) cognitive bias and challenges of interdisciplinary research; (iii) (mis)understanding and (mis)use of key terminology; (iv) communication (or lack of); and (v) non-climatic influences.

The study aims to bridge this gap between end user needs and science capability by bringing together decision makers and climate scientists to develop a dialogue and improve understanding about what climate information is required and what information climate science can currently provide and can be expected to provide over the next five to ten years. Aspects of climate science that are likely to remain highly uncertain are also identified.