Words matter: using language and technology to better inform the climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction communities

This brief advances the case for more considered knowledge-sharing practices, so that the abundant information and knowledge we have about climate change adaptation (CCA) and disaster risk reduction (DRR) can be used to its full potential. This philosophy underpins two PLACARD outputs: the extension of the Climate Tagger thesaurus, to support knowledge sharing across the two communities; and the development of the PLACARD Connectivity Hub, which will link knowledge across key CCA and DRR platforms in a robust way.

Knowledge gaps can be addressed by:

• Using language more effectively. Harmonised language and shared terminology are crucial in moving forward. Within CCA and DRR fields, the same word can mean different things. Recognizing this, and finding a way to enhance understanding of how different terms are used and will strengthen knowledge management within different organisations, improve the uptake of climate information, and increase opportunities for collaboration.
• Using technology to connect data more effectively. Semantic tagging and linked, open data provide key ways to lead people to the information they are looking for. Used together, these approaches have the potential to transform how the CCA and DRR communities communicate, how they share knowledge, and how they access online information.