Need assessment for climate information on decedal timescales and longer
Abstract
Societal needs for climate information on decadal timescales is confirmed in terms of its
potential value and relevance as a driver in sector decision-making, but such information is
currently lacking. Predictions and observationally based analyses for decadal climate variability
and change are needed. In addition, the following issues have been identified as those that must
be addressed in order to facilitate effective use of climate information on decadal timescales in
the decision-making processes of different socio-economic sectors: building effective partnership
systems linking stakeholders, users and decision-making sectors and climate information
providers; more research and investment is to translate information of large-scale decadal
variations into the regional and local scales required for decisions; maintaining and sustaining
the Global Climate Observing System (GCOS), in particular, enhancement of the global ocean
observing system; and, ways to assemble, check quality, reprocess and reanalyse datasets
relevant to decadal prediction. Ways of securing climate observing systems particularly in least
developed regions are urgently needed.
Publisher
Geology