NATO science workshop examines global climate change and local adaptation
High-level experts at a NATO science workshop in Hella, Iceland, analyzed the growing dynamics of global climate change. This event, which took place from 6 to 10 June 2010, is seen as a crucial step towards developing an integrated multi-criteria, multi-hazard risk-informed decision framework.
OSCE
The 50 key speakers and experts in attendance evaluated the recent advances in understanding climate change as well as its subsequent management and adaptive measures at both regional and local levels. The participants, drawn from renowned institutions such as the London School of Economics and the International Risk Governance Council, demonstrated a unity of purpose in their pursuit to
- summarise what is known about vulnerability and impacts of climate change at local and regional levels
- define the role of risk analysis in managing risks posed by climate change
- define the applicability of adaptive management for climate change
- identify strategies developing countries can use to manage security risks
- identify specific research needs for improving the value of risk analysis as applied to climate change
This NATO-funded workshop also provided environmental scientists and government officials with a clear view of the trade-offs associated with the environmental and societal impacts of climate change.
Scientists and decision makers from developing countries were encouraged to implement policy decisions and technologies in environmentally sustainable and secure ways. For this endeavour, special emphasis was placed on attracting young scientists and leaders from NATO’s partner countries to this field.
As a result of this event, the participants and organizers are brainstorming ideas for projects, proposals and workshops, such as a possible workshop in Iceland on energy security. Icelandic President Ólafur Grimsson, who gave the event’s opening speech, has recommended a series of follow-up meetings.
This event was hosted by the University of Iceland, and jointly organized by the US Army Corps of Engineers and Egypt’s Cairo University. The keynote lectures were given by the US Army Corps of Engineers Chief Scientist and Chief Engineer as well as the Former Deputy and Acting Secretary of the US Department of Interior
This workshop was funded through NATO’s Science for Peace and Security (SPS) Programme. For further details of this workshop such as presentations and keynote speeches please visit: http://el.erdc.usace.army.mil/training.cfm?Topic=Workshop{RDhref+}List=10JunClimate
For more information on NATO’s SPS programme, visit www.nato.int/science (see “Calendar” for organizers’ contact details).