Identifying climate service production constraints to adaptation decision-making in Sweden. Issue 93 (March 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ernst, Kathleen M.; Swartling, Åsa Gerger; André, Karin; Preston, Benjamin L.; Klein, Richard J.T.
• Is Part Of: Environmental science & policy. Issue 93(2019)
• Page Start: 83
• Page End: 91
• Publication Date: 2019-03
• Subjects: Climate services -- Climate change adaptation -- Knowledge co-production -- Stakeholder engagement -- Adaptation decision-making; Environmental policy -- Periodicals; Environmental sciences -- Periodicals; Environnement -- Politique gouvernementale -- Périodiques; Sciences de l'environnement -- Périodiques; Environmental policy; Environmental sciences; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 363.70561
• DOI: 10.1016/j.envsci.2018.11.023
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1462-9011

Abstract

Highlights: Climate service production constraints hinder adaptation processes. Knowledge production constraints create/exacerbate other adaptation constraints. Stakeholder interactions lacked direct users and producers of climate services. Human system uncertainties were rarely discussed during stakeholder interactions. Constraints were variously experienced based on agency, role, status, institution. Abstract: Climate change adaptation efforts continue to increase as the impacts of climate change increase, intensify, and become more apparent. However, many adaptation efforts fail to result in adaptation actions. This inaction has been linked to several constraining factors including a lack of actionable information for adaptation decision-making processes. We wonder if climate service producers face constraints as they try to create and deliver actionable information for adaptation decision-making efforts? This paper draws on semi-structured interviews and participant-observations across climate service production environments in Sweden to answer our research question and finds that climate service producers engage in research, coordination, and communication to varying degrees and experience constraints related to the production and dissemination of actionable information and stakeholder engagement, as well as funding, professional, and institutional constraints. Some constraints are experienced differently by climate service producers depending on their specific role, institutional affiliation, agency, and experience. Additionally, some climate service production constraints create or exacerbate additional constraints for adaptation decision-making stakeholders. Therefore, climate service production constraints limit the effectiveness of climate services, and overcoming them would help make progress towards more adaptation implementation in specific contexts. However, for adaptation actions to be widespread, the production and dissemination of climate services must be met with additional support and guidance for adaptation efforts beyond the provision of actionable information.