The role of knowledge brokers in advancing climate action

This fact sheet defines knowledge brokering in the context of climate action, emphasizing the need to move from simple information dissemination toward innovation brokering to facilitate systemic change and inclusive decision-making.

• Knowledge brokering is defined as the process of translating knowledge into action by linking those who produce knowledge with those who use it, facilitating its generation, dissemination, and use. The activities of brokers exist on a spectrum ranging from managing information flows to pursuing systemic change.
• Effective climate action requires the integration of diverse knowledge types, including western scientific knowledge from academics, experiential and applied knowledge from practitioners and technical officers, and traditional or tacit knowledge from local stakeholders and Indigenous communities. Brokers must create inclusive and safe spaces that respect the validity of these different knowledge sources.
• Because credible evidence alone is typically insufficient to drive policy shifts for complex climate issues, knowledge brokers are urged to shift their focus from merely making information accessible toward 'innovation brokering.' In this capacity, they act as facilitators of change who strengthen networks and relationships to ensure the implementation of decisions for a climate-resilient world.

APA

Climate and Development Knowledge Network (2023). The role of knowledge brokers in advancing climate action. https://cdkn.org/resource/role-knowledge-brokers-advancing-climate-action

Chicago

Climate and Development Knowledge Network. The role of knowledge brokers in advancing climate action. 2023. https://cdkn.org/resource/role-knowledge-brokers-advancing-climate-action.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=Climate and Development Knowledge Network |title=The role of knowledge brokers in advancing climate action |date=13 February 2023 |url=https://cdkn.org/resource/role-knowledge-brokers-advancing-climate-action |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{climateanddevelopmentknowledgenetwork2023role, author = {{Climate and Development Knowledge Network}}, title = {{The role of knowledge brokers in advancing climate action}}, institution = {Climate and Development Knowledge Network}, year = {2023}, month = feb, url = {https://cdkn.org/resource/role-knowledge-brokers-advancing-climate-action}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }