Publications
Journal Articles |
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3. | Muccione, V; Salzmann, N; Huggel, C Scientific Knowledge and Knowledge Needs in Climate Adaptation Policy Journal Article Mountain Research and Development, 36 (3), 2016, ISSN: 02764741. Abstract | Links | Tags: adaptation policy, climate change, climate change impact, policy-relevant knowledge, vulnerability @article{Muccione2016, title = {Scientific Knowledge and Knowledge Needs in Climate Adaptation Policy}, author = {V Muccione and N Salzmann and C Huggel}, doi = {10.1659/MRD-JOURNAL-D-15-00016.1}, issn = {02764741}, year = {2016}, date = {2016-01-01}, journal = {Mountain Research and Development}, volume = {36}, number = {3}, abstract = {textcopyright 2016. Muccione et al. Mountain ecosystems around the world are recognized to be among the most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. The need to develop sound adaptation strategies in these areas is growing. Knowledge from the natural sciences has an important role to play in the development of adaptation strategies. However, the extent of and gaps in such knowledge have not been systematically investigated for mountain areas. This paper analyzes the status of knowledge from natural science disciplines and research needs relevant to the national and subnational climate adaptation policies of 1 US state (Washington) and 7 countries (Austria, Bhutan, Colombia, Germany, Nepal, Peru, and Switzerland), in particular the elements of those policies focused on mountain areas. In addition, we asked key individuals involved in drafting those policies to answer a short questionnaire. We found that research needs mainly concern impact and vulnerability assessments at regional and local levels, integrated assessments, and improved climate and socioeconomic data. These needs are often related to the challenges to data coverage and model performance in mountainous areas. In these areas, the base data are often riddled with gaps and uncertainties, making it particularly difficult to formulate adaptation strategies. In countries where data coverage is less of an issue, there is a tendency to explore quantitative forms of impact and vulnerability assessments. We highlight how the knowledge embedded in natural science disciplines is not always useful to address complex vulnerabilities in coupled human and natural systems and briefly refer to alternative pathways to adaptation in the form of no-regret, flexible, and adaptive management solutions. Finally, in recognition of the trans- and interdisciplinary nature of climate change adaptation, we raise the question of which knowledge production paradigms are best able to deliver sustainable adaptations to growing environmental stressors in mountain regions.}, keywords = {adaptation policy, climate change, climate change impact, policy-relevant knowledge, vulnerability}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } textcopyright 2016. Muccione et al. Mountain ecosystems around the world are recognized to be among the most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. The need to develop sound adaptation strategies in these areas is growing. Knowledge from the natural sciences has an important role to play in the development of adaptation strategies. However, the extent of and gaps in such knowledge have not been systematically investigated for mountain areas. This paper analyzes the status of knowledge from natural science disciplines and research needs relevant to the national and subnational climate adaptation policies of 1 US state (Washington) and 7 countries (Austria, Bhutan, Colombia, Germany, Nepal, Peru, and Switzerland), in particular the elements of those policies focused on mountain areas. In addition, we asked key individuals involved in drafting those policies to answer a short questionnaire. We found that research needs mainly concern impact and vulnerability assessments at regional and local levels, integrated assessments, and improved climate and socioeconomic data. These needs are often related to the challenges to data coverage and model performance in mountainous areas. In these areas, the base data are often riddled with gaps and uncertainties, making it particularly difficult to formulate adaptation strategies. In countries where data coverage is less of an issue, there is a tendency to explore quantitative forms of impact and vulnerability assessments. We highlight how the knowledge embedded in natural science disciplines is not always useful to address complex vulnerabilities in coupled human and natural systems and briefly refer to alternative pathways to adaptation in the form of no-regret, flexible, and adaptive management solutions. Finally, in recognition of the trans- and interdisciplinary nature of climate change adaptation, we raise the question of which knowledge production paradigms are best able to deliver sustainable adaptations to growing environmental stressors in mountain regions. |
Books |
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2. | Muccione, V; Daley, B The role of ecosystem-based adaptation in the Swiss mountains Book 2016, ISBN: 9783319407739. Abstract | Links | Tags: climate change, Disaster risk reduction, Ecosystem-based adaptation, Swiss mountains @book{Muccione2016a, title = {The role of ecosystem-based adaptation in the Swiss mountains}, author = {V Muccione and B Daley}, doi = {10.1007/978-3-319-40773-9_9}, isbn = {9783319407739}, year = {2016}, date = {2016-01-01}, booktitle = {Climate Change Adaptation Strategies - An Upstream-downstream Perspective}, abstract = {textcopyright Springer International Publishing Switzerland 2016. Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) to climate change addresses the links between ecosystem services, climate change adaptation and sustainable resource management. This study explores the role of EbA in the mountain areas of Switzerland by looking at existing and potential EbA interventions, their effectiveness, opportunities and challenges. It analyses the Swiss policy context and how this can be conductive to EbA. EbA interventions in the Swiss mountains are identified in the area of disaster risk management, water management and agriculture. The research highlights some characteristics of these interventions. Challenges and opportunities of EbA are attributed in general to knowledge, acceptance and socio-economic factors. The Swiss policy context appears to be poorly conductive to EbA, with the Swiss adaptation strategy promoting sectoral approaches at the expense of more integrative interventions. The role of new cross-sectoral institutions in the form of boundary organisations is suggested as a way to better integrate EbA into Swiss policy and practice.}, keywords = {climate change, Disaster risk reduction, Ecosystem-based adaptation, Swiss mountains}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {book} } textcopyright Springer International Publishing Switzerland 2016. Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) to climate change addresses the links between ecosystem services, climate change adaptation and sustainable resource management. This study explores the role of EbA in the mountain areas of Switzerland by looking at existing and potential EbA interventions, their effectiveness, opportunities and challenges. It analyses the Swiss policy context and how this can be conductive to EbA. EbA interventions in the Swiss mountains are identified in the area of disaster risk management, water management and agriculture. The research highlights some characteristics of these interventions. Challenges and opportunities of EbA are attributed in general to knowledge, acceptance and socio-economic factors. The Swiss policy context appears to be poorly conductive to EbA, with the Swiss adaptation strategy promoting sectoral approaches at the expense of more integrative interventions. The role of new cross-sectoral institutions in the form of boundary organisations is suggested as a way to better integrate EbA into Swiss policy and practice. |
Technical Reports |
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1. | Allen Simon; Frey, Holger; Mal Suraj Synthesis report on GLOF hazard and risk across the Indian Himalayan Region Technical Report University of Zurich, Switzerland 2020. Links | Tags: climate change @techreport{Allen2020b, title = {Synthesis report on GLOF hazard and risk across the Indian Himalayan Region}, author = {Allen, Simon; Frey, Holger; Mal, Suraj}, url = {https://eclim-research.ch/synthesis-report-on-current-glof-hazard-and-risk-across-ihr-6/}, year = {2020}, date = {2020-09-03}, publisher = {University of Zurich, Switzerland}, institution = {University of Zurich, Switzerland}, keywords = {climate change}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {techreport} } |