First workshop on the science, the application, and the communication of climate attribution information

NOAA and the International Group on Attribution of Climate-Related Events (ACE) invite you to attend the first workshop on the science, the application, and the communication of climate attribution information. The workshop will provide a forum to discuss opportunities and requirements for explaining evolving climate conditions (attribution) among scientists, decision makers, and the bridging institutions that communicate climate information.

Focus:
Unusual or extreme climate events command attention, and demand explanation. Conditions of consequence may include droughts, hurricanes, or long term trends in climate as a whole. Within a changing climate, it is increasingly important to address public needs for climate information, the credibility of which can also build public trust in climate forecasts and projections. This workshop will explore an integrated view of the scientific challenges, communication opportunities, and societal applications for attribution products.

Workshop Themes
The workshop will address 2 major science challenges for attribution, and the products and information needs related to them.

1. “Event Attribution”: especially of drought and extreme climate-related events
2.  Attribution of regional climate trends

Workshop Format
Invited speakers will give brief presentations regarding the workshop themes. These will stimulate discussion and thoughts regarding the science, communication, and application of attribution. After the talks, working groups will breakout to address two overarching questions:

  Q1: What are the science requirements and capabilities for near-realtime attribution?
  Q2: Who needs climate attribution, and how can attribution information be communicated?

The outcome of the discussions will be to inform national and international programs that are seeking to develop robust climate attribution programs, especially regarding the scientific capabilities to conduct attribution in near realtime, and the needs, uses and communication of attribution science.