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This briefing from the World Resources Institute introduces a series of expert papers focused on innovative methods for collecting and distributing climate adaptation information. It emphasizes that the mere existence of data is insufficient; information must be analyzed and disseminated in formats that are accessible and relevant to both government decision-makers and affected local communities to effectively integrate climate risks into policies.

This research paper by the World Resources Institute explores the role of information and communications technologies (ICTs) in helping countries, particularly developing nations, adapt to climate change. It details how ICTs enhance weather forecasting, risk assessment, and the dissemination of critical alerts to vulnerable populations via mobile networks, while highlighting the International Telecommunication Union's (ITU) efforts to integrate these technologies into national adaptation plans.

This research paper by Sives Govender examines the information requirements for climate change adaptation in Africa, categorizing needs into responsive, proactive, and robust policy frameworks. It highlights the critical role of early warning systems, satellite-based monitoring, and the integration of socio-economic data to mitigate vulnerabilities in water, food security, and coastal infrastructure.

This research paper by Amos Makarau of the Meteorological Services Department of Zimbabwe outlines the specific data and information requirements for different stages of climate change adaptation decision-making: responsive, proactive, and robust planning. It emphasizes the necessity of integrating climatic and non-climatic data and defines the roles of various stakeholders, including governments, local communities, and scientific institutions, in creating integrated adaptation policies.

This research paper by Diana Liverman identifies the critical types of information required for climate change adaptation decision-making, emphasizing a user-centered approach to information delivery. It argues that effective adaptation requires a combination of basic climate data, economic cost-benefit analyses, vulnerability assessments, and knowledge of best practices, all integrated into an iterative risk management process.

This briefing from the World Resources Institute explores the role of civil society organizations (CSOs) in supporting and holding national governments accountable for integrating climate change risks into policy and planning, particularly in developing countries.

This research paper by Oxfam America, published as part of the 2010 World Resources Report, examines how civil society organizations (CSOs) can support and hold national governments accountable in integrating climate change risks into policy. The authors argue that while CSOs are vital for emergency disaster response, their most significant contribution lies in addressing long-term climatic risks through mutual partnership with states and communities. Using research from seven countries, including Cambodia, the paper highlights the risks of top-down fund management and advocates for transformative citizen participation to ensure climate finance reaches the most vulnerable populations.

This policy brief, published by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) in August 2009, examines climate-related vulnerability and adaptive capacity among pastoral and agro-pastoral communities in the Borana and Shinile zones of Ethiopia. Based on a 2009 study, the document details how increasing temperatures, drought frequency, and unpredictable rainfall are rendering traditional coping strategies ineffective, leading to food insecurity and environmental degradation. It provides specific recommendations for the Ethiopian government, civil society, and international donors to enhance resilience through community-led interventions, improved infrastructure, and better climate information sharing.

The Inter-American Institute for Global Change Research (IAI) outlines its planned activities for the July 2009 to June 2010 period, focusing on science program synthesis, specific regional projects in the Andes and La Plata Basin, and strategic organizational planning.

The Inter-American Institute for Global Change Research (IAI) outlines its planned activities for July 2009 to June 2010, focusing on transdisciplinary research synthesis, land use and biodiversity projects in the Andes and Plata Basin, and strategic institutional planning.

This technical paper assesses the potential for establishing an information and communication early warning system for wildland fires in Mozambique, specifically focusing on the Buzi District of Sofala Province. It identifies significant gaps in interagency coordination and the dissemination of satellite fire data, while recommending a holistic approach that integrates national-level technical systems with community-based fire management (CBFiM).

This executive summary describes a 2009 study conducted in the Búzi District of Sofala Province, Mozambique, to evaluate the prospects of establishing an information and communications system for early warning of wildfires. The study was part of the ACCESA project, which aimed to reduce community vulnerability to climate change through community-based fire management (CBFiM). The document identifies significant gaps in institutional coordination and information flow regarding wildfires and provides recommendations for improving national monitoring, danger classification, and local reporting systems.

This report details insights from interviews with 40 agricultural producers and organizations in southern Alberta conducted between November 2007 and February 2008. It examines how farmers in the Coaldale and Foremost regions cope with and adapt to weather-related shocks, such as droughts and flooding, in the context of projected climate change and rising mean annual temperatures in Alberta.

This policy brief from the Stockholm Environment Institute argues that rainwater harvesting (RWH) is a critical, low-cost tool for enhancing ecosystem productivity and human well-being. It highlights RWH as a decentralized alternative to large-scale water infrastructure that supports rainfed agriculture, urban water security, and climate change adaptation.

This research paper examines the lack of coordination between four policy and research communities—disaster risk reduction, climate change adaptation, environmental management, and poverty reduction—that aim to reduce socio-economic vulnerability to natural hazards. It highlights the increasing impact of hydro-meteorological hazards and proposes a structured dialogue to facilitate collaboration and information exchange between these groups.

This fact sheet describes the 'Integrating Climate and Development' project in Thailand, a program running from March 2008 to December 2009. Funded by the Swedish International Development Agency (Sida) and partnered with Thailand's Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, the project aims to fill the gap in concrete analysis regarding the integration of climate policies into national development plans.

This report documents a two-day colloquium held in April 2008 by the Stockholm Environment Institute and the Stockholm Resilience Centre. The event aimed to bridge the conceptual and practical divide between resilience and vulnerability research to better support sustainable development and poverty reduction.

This fact sheet describes the scoping phase of a programme titled 'Building Long-Term Capacity for Managing and Adapting to Climate Change in Asia and Africa', funded by the Swedish International Development Agency (SIDA) and partnered with Global Change Systems for Analysis, Research and Training (START). The initiative aims to enhance the capacity of universities, research institutes, government, industry, and NGOs in selected least developed countries to manage risks associated with climate variability and change.

The Report of the IAI Directorate provides an update on the Inter-American Institute for Global Change Research's science programs, international cooperations, country relations, and training initiatives as of November 2007. It details the transition from the CRN I program to CRN II, the administration of Small Grants for Human Dimensions, and various funding proposals submitted to the MacArthur Foundation and IDRC. The report also outlines efforts to resolve budget contribution arrears in Guatemala and Uruguay and plans for several training institutes focused on information management, climate risk, and urban responses to climate change.

Minutes from the 24th meeting of the Executive Council (EC) of the Inter-American Institute for Global Change Research (IAI), held in Manaus, Brazil, from June 12-15, 2007. The meeting focused on scientific program updates, financial budgeting, strategic planning, and governance reforms.