Exploring Climate Knowledge Making, Usability, and Use

Abstract

Scholars in the social sciences have long been inspired by the question of why and how scientific knowledge is used (or not). In the case of scientific climate knowledge (SCK), two prevalent arguments to explain lack of use posit that: (1) Although SCK is inherently useful, there is a “deficit” regarding climate knowledge production and accessibility and (2) SCK lacks usability or actionability because it does not fit what users want. To address the issue of usefulness/deficit, scholars have argued that we need to (a) make more and better knowledge; (b) improve how climate scientists communicate knowledge; or (c) increase public scientific literacy. In turn, addressing lack of actionability requires scientists interacting and iterating with potential users to better understand and take into consideration user needs and constraints. More recently, a third body of literature has emerged seeking to understand SCK use by focusing on how users make decisions. Yet, while there is growing empirical literature, especially related to climate adaptation, addressing SCK usefulness and actionability, relatively less evidence is available about its use. In this review, we argue that to better explain how and why SKC is used or not, these three bodies of literature need to reconcile across their theoretical assumptions and analytical frameworks, methodological and research design approaches, and findings. This article is categorized under: The Social Status of Climate Change Knowledge > Climate Science and Decision Making The Social Status of Climate Change Knowledge > Knowledge and Practice