Decision support platforms for climate change adaptation: an overview and introduction

In this paper, the researchers explore the history and characteristics of adaptation platforms: the extent to which they are relevant, usable, and useful, whether or not these attributes translate into sustained use, barriers to take-up of adaptation platforms, and how these might be overcome. Climate experts involved in adaptation platform construction may have unrealistic expectations about decision-makers’ ability and willingness to understand the jargon, complex scientific concepts, and limitations associated with climate change data, leaving users confused and, eventually, unwilling or unable to make use of the information provided. One motivation behind building adaptation platforms is to address this cognitive barrier through strategies that include in-depth and continuing engagement and consultation with potential users to understand their needs, simplicity of navigation through the platform, and use of accessible and (to the extent possible) jargon-free language.

This paper concludes that it is clear that, although potentially effective, regulatory, legislative and investment imperatives to adapt are insufficient. Considering the imperative and the nature of climate actions required, decision support resources such as adaptation platforms, along with investments of time and money, are needed for practitioners to undertake effective adaptation and build longterm institutional capacity that is consistent with the current and evolving adaptation challenge.