Scientific advice for policymakers on climate change: the role of evidence synthesis

Abstract

Science has a role to play in providing the evidence on both climate change and the solutions to it. In this paper, we look at the nature of expert advice to public policymakers and examine one approach to the synthesis of scientific evidence. We focus on a series of briefings for policymakers that summarize evidence from 12 areas of science and technology which are keys to accelerating progress towards net zero greenhouse gas emissions and resilience to climate change. This article is part of the theme issue ‘Developing resilient energy systems’.