Science-Policy Interfaces: From Warnings to Solutions

The policy brief examines the role of science-policy interfaces (SPIs) in identifying environmental risks and informing global policy since the 1972 Stockholm Conference. It analyzes successful models like the IPCC and IPBES, while evaluating current proposals for new SPIs focused on chemicals and waste and food systems. The author highlights the challenges of power imbalances and the need for credibility, inclusivity, and transparency in SPI design.

• Since 1972, science-policy interfaces (SPIs) have been established in global environmental governance to bridge the gap between science and policy, with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) serving as the most prominent model.
• SPIs are categorized into subsidiary bodies, which are often criticized for politicization and acting as "mini-COPs," and stand-alone bodies with their own governing bodies.
• The Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) expanded the IPCC model by incorporating capacity building, knowledge generation, and a specific objective to enhance the recognition of Indigenous and local knowledge systems by 2030.
• There is significant support from the scientific community and certain governments—including Costa Rica, Ghana, Mali, Norway, Switzerland, the UK, and Uruguay—for a new global SPI on chemicals and waste to apply the precautionary principle.
• Proposals for an "IPCC for Food" have faced criticism from scientists and organizations like IPES-Food, who argue the initiative is driven by a small group aligned with business and industry and may detract from actual policy action.
• Effective SPIs are characterized by credibility, relevance, legitimacy, transparency, iterativity, and inclusiveness, and should be policy-relevant without being policy-prescriptive.
• Designing effective SPIs requires a three-pronged approach: determining expert membership (including diversity and capacity), establishing institutional rules (such as conflict of interest procedures), and deciding which disciplines and ways of knowing (including social sciences and Indigenous knowledge) will inform the work.

APA

Kohler,, P. (2022). Science-Policy Interfaces: From Warnings to Solutions. International Institute for Sustainable Development. https://www.iisd.org/articles/science-policy-interfaces

Chicago

Kohler,, Pia. Science-Policy Interfaces: From Warnings to Solutions. International Institute for Sustainable Development, 2022. https://www.iisd.org/articles/science-policy-interfaces.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=Kohler, |first1=Pia |title=Science-Policy Interfaces: From Warnings to Solutions |publisher=International Institute for Sustainable Development |date=24 January 2022 |url=https://www.iisd.org/articles/science-policy-interfaces |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{kohler2022sciencepolicy, author = {Kohler,, Pia}, title = {{Science-Policy Interfaces: From Warnings to Solutions}}, institution = {International Institute for Sustainable Development}, year = {2022}, month = jan, url = {https://www.iisd.org/articles/science-policy-interfaces}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }