Browse
Abstract
Navigating the Great Lakes during icy conditions poses significant safety challenges for the shipping sector. Available ice information is uncertain and fragmented, and navigators must seek out multiple sources for information at the spatial and temporal scales they require, if the information is available at all. Navigators have expressed that they require more highly localized and easily usable information for current and predicted ice conditions to support decision-making. In this study, we seek to meet this information need by applying a boundary organizations chain (BOC) approach to facilitate the co-production of an actionable short-term Great Lakes ice forecast. We focus on two main aspects of this research: 1) producing an actionable decision-support product that meets the needs of Great Lakes ice navigators, and 2) contributing to the knowledge co-production scholarship on BOCs by providing a detailed account of our methods to create a BOC and co-produce an actionable ice forecast. Our results support incorporating existing communities of practice (COPs) into BOCs to enhance the co-production of actionable knowledge, specifically through increasing their complementarity and embeddedness. COPs are informal networks of users that meet voluntarily to share knowledge and develop professional skills, which we found naturally builds the co-production capacities of participants (e.g. embeddedness and complementarity). We also find that COP members are well positioned to disseminate co-produced knowledge across wider user groups.
Abstract
Navigating the Great Lakes during icy conditions poses significant safety challenges for the shipping sector. Available ice information is uncertain and fragmented, and navigators must seek out multiple sources for information at the spatial and temporal scales they require, if the information is available at all. Navigators have expressed that they require more highly localized and easily usable information for current and predicted ice conditions to support decision-making. In this study, we seek to meet this information need by applying a boundary organizations chain (BOC) approach to facilitate the co-production of an actionable short-term Great Lakes ice forecast. We focus on two main aspects of this research: 1) producing an actionable decision-support product that meets the needs of Great Lakes ice navigators, and 2) contributing to the knowledge co-production scholarship on BOCs by providing a detailed account of our methods to create a BOC and co-produce an actionable ice forecast. Our results support incorporating existing communities of practice (COPs) into BOCs to enhance the co-production of actionable knowledge, specifically through increasing their complementarity and embeddedness. COPs are informal networks of users that meet voluntarily to share knowledge and develop professional skills, which we found naturally builds the co-production capacities of participants (e.g. embeddedness and complementarity). We also find that COP members are well positioned to disseminate co-produced knowledge across wider user groups.
Abstract
Quantifying the total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions along the whole value chain is essential for effective greenhouse gas management. Two types of the most popular restaurants in Thailand were included in this study: 1) a restaurant that specialized in northeastern Thai cuisine with an area of 94 m2 and 41 000 clients per year and 2) a restaurant serving Japanese–Thai fusion meals with an area of 284 m2 with 59 000 clients per year. Notably, the scope 3 GHG emissions were the highest (76%–81% of total emissions). The main contributors at both restaurants were raw material acquisition, followed by transportation of raw materials and waste management. It was suggested that the restaurants should not overlook the major sources of scope 3 GHG emissions, especially in food procurement, transportation from suppliers, and waste management. GHG management measures that could be applied include using local food ingredients, buying raw materials from nearby locations, simulating transport routes to minimize the distance of transport, and separating food wastes and sorting recyclable packaging wastes for further use. In addition, the restaurants could flag low-carbon footprint meals on their menus to engage their customers in contributing to GHG reductions.
Abstract
Quantifying the total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions along the whole value chain is essential for effective greenhouse gas management. Two types of the most popular restaurants in Thailand were included in this study: 1) a restaurant that specialized in northeastern Thai cuisine with an area of 94 m2 and 41 000 clients per year and 2) a restaurant serving Japanese–Thai fusion meals with an area of 284 m2 with 59 000 clients per year. Notably, the scope 3 GHG emissions were the highest (76%–81% of total emissions). The main contributors at both restaurants were raw material acquisition, followed by transportation of raw materials and waste management. It was suggested that the restaurants should not overlook the major sources of scope 3 GHG emissions, especially in food procurement, transportation from suppliers, and waste management. GHG management measures that could be applied include using local food ingredients, buying raw materials from nearby locations, simulating transport routes to minimize the distance of transport, and separating food wastes and sorting recyclable packaging wastes for further use. In addition, the restaurants could flag low-carbon footprint meals on their menus to engage their customers in contributing to GHG reductions.
Abstract
Lightning around the world poses a significant threat to life, infrastructure, and economic sectors. This study evaluates lightning risk at the municipal level in Mexico, recognizing the interplay of hazard and vulnerability in risk estimation. Despite declining lightning-related fatalities, possibly attributed to demographic shifts and improved urban infrastructure, persistent social vulnerability exists, particularly among rural populations engaged in labor-intensive agriculture with lower education levels. We estimate a risk map for lightning-related fatality risk in Mexico, where we identify high-risk regions along the Sierra Madre Occidental, the Pacific coast, and central and southeastern Mexico, marked by elevated lightning days and social vulnerability. The risk map integrates hazard and social vulnerability, capturing the distribution of fatality incidents, and it reveals that 82.1% of incidents occurred in municipalities categorized as “high” or “very high” risk. This result emphasizes the need to consider both physical hazard and social vulnerability for a comprehensive assessment of lightning risk. This study contributes to understanding lightning risk in Mexico, providing crucial insights at the municipality level for informing policymaking and targeting risk mitigation strategies. By highlighting the interrelation of hazard and social vulnerability, this research aligns with broader goals of enhancing local resilience and safety in the face of natural hazards, highlighting the ongoing need for disaster risk reduction efforts.
Significance Statement
This study provides a comprehensive evaluation of the risk of death by lightning at the municipality level in Mexico, considering the intricate interplay between hazard and social vulnerability. By analyzing both the physical hazard of lightning and the social vulnerability of exposed populations, the study provides a map estimating the risk level for each municipality. The risk map, capturing the interrelation of hazard and vulnerability, provides a powerful tool for policymakers and emergency responders. With 82.1% of lightning fatalities concentrated in municipalities with “high” and “very high” risk, this work underscores the need for comprehensive risk assessment strategies. This research contributes knowledge for informed decision-making, targeted interventions, and the ongoing pursuit of enhancing community resilience to lightning-related hazards.
Abstract
Lightning around the world poses a significant threat to life, infrastructure, and economic sectors. This study evaluates lightning risk at the municipal level in Mexico, recognizing the interplay of hazard and vulnerability in risk estimation. Despite declining lightning-related fatalities, possibly attributed to demographic shifts and improved urban infrastructure, persistent social vulnerability exists, particularly among rural populations engaged in labor-intensive agriculture with lower education levels. We estimate a risk map for lightning-related fatality risk in Mexico, where we identify high-risk regions along the Sierra Madre Occidental, the Pacific coast, and central and southeastern Mexico, marked by elevated lightning days and social vulnerability. The risk map integrates hazard and social vulnerability, capturing the distribution of fatality incidents, and it reveals that 82.1% of incidents occurred in municipalities categorized as “high” or “very high” risk. This result emphasizes the need to consider both physical hazard and social vulnerability for a comprehensive assessment of lightning risk. This study contributes to understanding lightning risk in Mexico, providing crucial insights at the municipality level for informing policymaking and targeting risk mitigation strategies. By highlighting the interrelation of hazard and social vulnerability, this research aligns with broader goals of enhancing local resilience and safety in the face of natural hazards, highlighting the ongoing need for disaster risk reduction efforts.
Significance Statement
This study provides a comprehensive evaluation of the risk of death by lightning at the municipality level in Mexico, considering the intricate interplay between hazard and social vulnerability. By analyzing both the physical hazard of lightning and the social vulnerability of exposed populations, the study provides a map estimating the risk level for each municipality. The risk map, capturing the interrelation of hazard and vulnerability, provides a powerful tool for policymakers and emergency responders. With 82.1% of lightning fatalities concentrated in municipalities with “high” and “very high” risk, this work underscores the need for comprehensive risk assessment strategies. This research contributes knowledge for informed decision-making, targeted interventions, and the ongoing pursuit of enhancing community resilience to lightning-related hazards.
Abstract
This study explores the correlation between weather and the perception of urban cleanliness across the 47 largest cities in Spain. Utilizing survey data conducted by the national Consumers and Users Organization (OCU) in 2015, 2019, and 2023 to assess cleanliness perceptions, we analyze potential associations with precipitation and temperature recorded by weather stations of the Spanish Meteorological Agency. Additionally, we consider computed values of the De Martonne aridity index. The OCU data reveal regional disparities in perceived cleanliness quality. Higher cleanliness scores are obtained in cities located in the northern and north-central regions of Spain, characterized by humid and superhumid climates according to the De Martonne index. Conversely, lower cleanliness ratings are given to cities in the southern and eastern regions of Spain, where a Mediterranean climate and lower aridity index values prevail. In conducting a statistical analysis on the perception of cleanliness and variables related to precipitation and temperature, the results of the chi-square and linear correlation tests found no strong statistical correlation, although a tendency is observed. Cities with higher annual precipitation and lower values of average annual temperature tend to receive better cleanliness ratings, while drier and warmer cities exhibit the worst values of perceived urban cleanliness. Furthermore, our findings indicate that the Gompertz model effectively captures a strong statistical correlation in the relationship between cleanliness perception and the De Martonne index: As aridity increases, cleanliness perception decreases. These results are relevant for the development of future cleaning methods and systems, particularly in light of the climate change scenarios that are anticipated in the Mediterranean region due to warmer and drier conditions and, consequently, an increase in aridity.
Abstract
This study explores the correlation between weather and the perception of urban cleanliness across the 47 largest cities in Spain. Utilizing survey data conducted by the national Consumers and Users Organization (OCU) in 2015, 2019, and 2023 to assess cleanliness perceptions, we analyze potential associations with precipitation and temperature recorded by weather stations of the Spanish Meteorological Agency. Additionally, we consider computed values of the De Martonne aridity index. The OCU data reveal regional disparities in perceived cleanliness quality. Higher cleanliness scores are obtained in cities located in the northern and north-central regions of Spain, characterized by humid and superhumid climates according to the De Martonne index. Conversely, lower cleanliness ratings are given to cities in the southern and eastern regions of Spain, where a Mediterranean climate and lower aridity index values prevail. In conducting a statistical analysis on the perception of cleanliness and variables related to precipitation and temperature, the results of the chi-square and linear correlation tests found no strong statistical correlation, although a tendency is observed. Cities with higher annual precipitation and lower values of average annual temperature tend to receive better cleanliness ratings, while drier and warmer cities exhibit the worst values of perceived urban cleanliness. Furthermore, our findings indicate that the Gompertz model effectively captures a strong statistical correlation in the relationship between cleanliness perception and the De Martonne index: As aridity increases, cleanliness perception decreases. These results are relevant for the development of future cleaning methods and systems, particularly in light of the climate change scenarios that are anticipated in the Mediterranean region due to warmer and drier conditions and, consequently, an increase in aridity.
Abstract
To avoid hazards, manage risks, and successfully conduct their outdoor activities, people in Antarctica make weather-related decisions every day. Research on Antarctic weather information use and related decision-making, services, and user needs is limited. In a mixed-methods study, we explored how people use weather information to manage activities and weather in Antarctic regions. Survey (n = 62) and interview (n = 35) participants were deployed with National Antarctic Programs and tourism operators across a range of roles, activities, and locations. How and when weather information was used depended on people’s decision contexts, location, activities, previous experience and knowledge. Experienced participants used weather information, their experience, and local knowledge to form and maintain their situation awareness. Situation awareness influenced participant's decision-making, risk assessment, and planning processes and enabled people's adaptation to changing circumstances, hazards, and weather conditions. As a part of these processes, forecasts were used primarily for pre-activity planning and scheduling decisions. Tasks were prioritized and planned based on suitable weather conditions, experience, and safety. During activities, real-time weather data, personal observations, and experience were important for updating situation awareness, risk judgments, decision-making, and maintaining safety. Levels of weather service provision and training varied and were often not fit-for-purpose, which may adversely impact people's safety in Antarctic regions. Results contribute to our understanding of polar weather user needs, and how we may support people to develop the experience, knowledge, and non-technical skills necessary for identifying and avoiding hazards and safe, efficient, and successful outdoor activities.
Abstract
To avoid hazards, manage risks, and successfully conduct their outdoor activities, people in Antarctica make weather-related decisions every day. Research on Antarctic weather information use and related decision-making, services, and user needs is limited. In a mixed-methods study, we explored how people use weather information to manage activities and weather in Antarctic regions. Survey (n = 62) and interview (n = 35) participants were deployed with National Antarctic Programs and tourism operators across a range of roles, activities, and locations. How and when weather information was used depended on people’s decision contexts, location, activities, previous experience and knowledge. Experienced participants used weather information, their experience, and local knowledge to form and maintain their situation awareness. Situation awareness influenced participant's decision-making, risk assessment, and planning processes and enabled people's adaptation to changing circumstances, hazards, and weather conditions. As a part of these processes, forecasts were used primarily for pre-activity planning and scheduling decisions. Tasks were prioritized and planned based on suitable weather conditions, experience, and safety. During activities, real-time weather data, personal observations, and experience were important for updating situation awareness, risk judgments, decision-making, and maintaining safety. Levels of weather service provision and training varied and were often not fit-for-purpose, which may adversely impact people's safety in Antarctic regions. Results contribute to our understanding of polar weather user needs, and how we may support people to develop the experience, knowledge, and non-technical skills necessary for identifying and avoiding hazards and safe, efficient, and successful outdoor activities.
Abstract
Punctuality monitoring and analysis aims to optimize resource allocation for enhancing rail traffic performance and quality. Adverse weather conditions, particularly heavy precipitation events, are recognized as significant drivers of delays and reduced punctuality of the rail system. This study addresses two key research questions using HSR as an example – what is the impact of rainfall on HSR’s delay, and to what extent are HSR vulnerable to rainstorms. The data for the study were collected from the HSR on the major lines of eastern China in the rainy season of 2015-2017 which lasted from May to October. High-resolution precipitation data is integrated with non-spatial HSR operational data using GIS to create composite grids covering buffer zones around HSR lines. These grids match the spatial scale of historical hourly precipitation data and enable regression analyses to assess how precipitation affects HSR operations. The results indicate that extreme rainfall significantly contributes to delays and reduced punctuality, with varying impacts observed across different HSR lines. Specifically, daily areal precipitation significantly delays services on the Hangzhou-Shenzhen and Nanjing-Hangzhou HSR lines. Rainfall intensity has a more pronounced impact on delay services of the Beijing-Shanghai HSR, while extreme precipitation most frequently affects the Shanghai-Nanjing and Jinhua-Wenzhou HSR lines. The case analysis enhances understanding of HSR vulnerability to heavy rainfall conditions and recommends regional adaptation strategies to manage climate-related uncertainties.
Abstract
Punctuality monitoring and analysis aims to optimize resource allocation for enhancing rail traffic performance and quality. Adverse weather conditions, particularly heavy precipitation events, are recognized as significant drivers of delays and reduced punctuality of the rail system. This study addresses two key research questions using HSR as an example – what is the impact of rainfall on HSR’s delay, and to what extent are HSR vulnerable to rainstorms. The data for the study were collected from the HSR on the major lines of eastern China in the rainy season of 2015-2017 which lasted from May to October. High-resolution precipitation data is integrated with non-spatial HSR operational data using GIS to create composite grids covering buffer zones around HSR lines. These grids match the spatial scale of historical hourly precipitation data and enable regression analyses to assess how precipitation affects HSR operations. The results indicate that extreme rainfall significantly contributes to delays and reduced punctuality, with varying impacts observed across different HSR lines. Specifically, daily areal precipitation significantly delays services on the Hangzhou-Shenzhen and Nanjing-Hangzhou HSR lines. Rainfall intensity has a more pronounced impact on delay services of the Beijing-Shanghai HSR, while extreme precipitation most frequently affects the Shanghai-Nanjing and Jinhua-Wenzhou HSR lines. The case analysis enhances understanding of HSR vulnerability to heavy rainfall conditions and recommends regional adaptation strategies to manage climate-related uncertainties.
Abstract
An intensive survey was carried out over the past 8 years in tribal-dominated areas of southwestern Rajasthan to document red-wattled lapwing (Vanellus indicus) behavior as a rain forecaster, relevant to farm planning and better crop production. The present study included tribal farmers, agriculture scientists, extension workers, ornithologists, and farm workers. The precision of their observations was compared with a contemporaneous study of 10–15 red-wattled lapwing nests across the 46-ha operational area of the Agricultural Research Sub-Station (ARSS) and Adaptive Trial Center (ATC), Sumerpur, Pali, Rajasthan (25.1526°N latitude, 73.0823°E longitude). Local knowledge was gathered through surveys and focus group discussions with the respondents to discuss lapwing behavior as a rain prediction indicator. Meteorological data were gathered from the ATC farm observatory. The findings revealed that the older tribal farmers have an assortment of knowledge about the behavior of red-wattled lapwing as rain prediction indicators such as nesting sites, egg position, egg arrangement, nesting material, numbers of eggs, and egg-laying patterns. These predictions have a direct correlation with modern meteorological observations. It was also noted that the elder tribal farmers planned their farms using lapwing indicators in order to increase crop production, whereas younger generations overlook the traditional rain prediction indicators and have significant knowledge about meteorological data-based weather forecasting. Both the elder and younger tribal farmers were equally interested in meteorological weather forecast announcements, but due to network connectivity challenges, residents in some remote places were unable to access modern meteorological information. Long-term accurate rain forecasting is needed for better agricultural planning and to secure crop production. Rain forecasting can be improved by blending modern meteorological information with traditional proven indications. Farmers who have considerable traditional knowledge along with modern technological updates are capable of using both sources of information in suitable and successful farm planning for better crop production.
Significance Statement
The purpose of this study is to examine red-wattled lapwing behavior as rain measurements and compare its reliability with modern rain forecasting methods. We also develop a theoretical framework for understanding traditional and modern rain forecasting methods for disaster management in remote and accessible areas, to assist resource management and to minimize costs of cultivation. Our results provide a guideline for blending both types of knowledge and for providing relevant information to remote tribal areas at appropriate times for better farm planning and crop production.
Abstract
An intensive survey was carried out over the past 8 years in tribal-dominated areas of southwestern Rajasthan to document red-wattled lapwing (Vanellus indicus) behavior as a rain forecaster, relevant to farm planning and better crop production. The present study included tribal farmers, agriculture scientists, extension workers, ornithologists, and farm workers. The precision of their observations was compared with a contemporaneous study of 10–15 red-wattled lapwing nests across the 46-ha operational area of the Agricultural Research Sub-Station (ARSS) and Adaptive Trial Center (ATC), Sumerpur, Pali, Rajasthan (25.1526°N latitude, 73.0823°E longitude). Local knowledge was gathered through surveys and focus group discussions with the respondents to discuss lapwing behavior as a rain prediction indicator. Meteorological data were gathered from the ATC farm observatory. The findings revealed that the older tribal farmers have an assortment of knowledge about the behavior of red-wattled lapwing as rain prediction indicators such as nesting sites, egg position, egg arrangement, nesting material, numbers of eggs, and egg-laying patterns. These predictions have a direct correlation with modern meteorological observations. It was also noted that the elder tribal farmers planned their farms using lapwing indicators in order to increase crop production, whereas younger generations overlook the traditional rain prediction indicators and have significant knowledge about meteorological data-based weather forecasting. Both the elder and younger tribal farmers were equally interested in meteorological weather forecast announcements, but due to network connectivity challenges, residents in some remote places were unable to access modern meteorological information. Long-term accurate rain forecasting is needed for better agricultural planning and to secure crop production. Rain forecasting can be improved by blending modern meteorological information with traditional proven indications. Farmers who have considerable traditional knowledge along with modern technological updates are capable of using both sources of information in suitable and successful farm planning for better crop production.
Significance Statement
The purpose of this study is to examine red-wattled lapwing behavior as rain measurements and compare its reliability with modern rain forecasting methods. We also develop a theoretical framework for understanding traditional and modern rain forecasting methods for disaster management in remote and accessible areas, to assist resource management and to minimize costs of cultivation. Our results provide a guideline for blending both types of knowledge and for providing relevant information to remote tribal areas at appropriate times for better farm planning and crop production.
Abstract
Weather profoundly shapes our daily lives, yet its psychological impact varies distinctly among different cultural and ethnic groups. In a comprehensive analysis of 974 Spanish-speaking individuals in the United States, our research delves into three dimensions of weather salience—a measure of the psychological importance attributed to weather. Contrary to expectations, geographic location within the U.S. does not significantly influence weather salience dimensions among Spanish-speaking populations. Rather, differences in weather salience emerge based on the nativity and origin country of a Spanish speaker. Foreign-born Spanish speakers exhibit higher weather salience compared to their U.S.-born counterparts, with notable differences in daily attention to weather and severe weather events. Additionally, the degree of psychological attunement to weather distinctly varies among different Hispanic and Latino ethnic groups within Spanish-speaking communities. These findings help explain why weather salience may be lower among Spanish-speaking groups and highlight the variability across different cultural groups. Tailoring messages to the unique experiences and backgrounds of diverse Spanish-speaking communities is essential, moving beyond simple language translation to embrace the rich cultural tapestry of these groups.
Abstract
Weather profoundly shapes our daily lives, yet its psychological impact varies distinctly among different cultural and ethnic groups. In a comprehensive analysis of 974 Spanish-speaking individuals in the United States, our research delves into three dimensions of weather salience—a measure of the psychological importance attributed to weather. Contrary to expectations, geographic location within the U.S. does not significantly influence weather salience dimensions among Spanish-speaking populations. Rather, differences in weather salience emerge based on the nativity and origin country of a Spanish speaker. Foreign-born Spanish speakers exhibit higher weather salience compared to their U.S.-born counterparts, with notable differences in daily attention to weather and severe weather events. Additionally, the degree of psychological attunement to weather distinctly varies among different Hispanic and Latino ethnic groups within Spanish-speaking communities. These findings help explain why weather salience may be lower among Spanish-speaking groups and highlight the variability across different cultural groups. Tailoring messages to the unique experiences and backgrounds of diverse Spanish-speaking communities is essential, moving beyond simple language translation to embrace the rich cultural tapestry of these groups.
Abstract
Acute kidney injury (AKI) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) are serious health conditions with an enormous global health burden. There is evidence to suggest that CKD rates are increasing within the United States despite declines in traditional risk factors for kidney injury and disease, disproportionately impacting certain populations. Changes in meteorological factors because of climate change may be partially responsible for this increase in kidney injury. This study evaluated the association between AKI and meteorological factors controlling for demographic and health factors among adults within the San Luis Valley, Colorado, a rural, biethnic agrarian community at increased risk for health impacts from climate change, over a 15-yr period. Relative humidity was a significant predictor of AKI controlling for age, sex, history of hypertension, and history of diabetes. Changing weather patterns may increase the risk of AKI and the subsequent development of CKD within the United States. These findings may help public health practitioners and medical professionals to identify populations at risk of incurring acute or chronic kidney injury as seasonal weather patterns change. Further research should investigate the role of heat, heat stress, and dehydration in developing CKD in the United States.
Abstract
Acute kidney injury (AKI) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) are serious health conditions with an enormous global health burden. There is evidence to suggest that CKD rates are increasing within the United States despite declines in traditional risk factors for kidney injury and disease, disproportionately impacting certain populations. Changes in meteorological factors because of climate change may be partially responsible for this increase in kidney injury. This study evaluated the association between AKI and meteorological factors controlling for demographic and health factors among adults within the San Luis Valley, Colorado, a rural, biethnic agrarian community at increased risk for health impacts from climate change, over a 15-yr period. Relative humidity was a significant predictor of AKI controlling for age, sex, history of hypertension, and history of diabetes. Changing weather patterns may increase the risk of AKI and the subsequent development of CKD within the United States. These findings may help public health practitioners and medical professionals to identify populations at risk of incurring acute or chronic kidney injury as seasonal weather patterns change. Further research should investigate the role of heat, heat stress, and dehydration in developing CKD in the United States.
Abstract
Evaluation of near-term (sub)seasonal climate services’ impact is challenging but necessary for ensuring that society’s needs for actionable information are met. We use a descriptive study of the monthly North Central U.S. Climate and Drought Webinar Series at two time points (2014 and 2021) to examine societal impacts on capacity-building, sensemaking, fact-establishing, communication, decision-making, and social–ecological systems. The North Central U.S. Climate and Drought Webinar Series arose following a 2011 climate disaster and established itself over the next 10 years as a monthly resource for climate and impact information translation and interaction. Survey respondents indicated early benefits related to understanding how to find and use climate information and improved conceptual understanding of climate issues and problems. Many used webinar information to compare with other sources of data or to incorporate into their own communications, uses which can increase overall societal trust in climate information over time. Attendees’ self-reported capacity for using climate information in decision-making and actual use of information in specific decisions or management contexts increased as the webinar series approached the 10-yr mark. Most participants did not note financial or other social–ecological outcomes of their use of the webinars. We conclude by recommending that climate services be evaluated over sufficiently long time periods to capture evolving impacts and that evaluations incorporate impact rubrics that measure subtle yet important societal capacities and decision-making processes related to climate risk management.
Abstract
Evaluation of near-term (sub)seasonal climate services’ impact is challenging but necessary for ensuring that society’s needs for actionable information are met. We use a descriptive study of the monthly North Central U.S. Climate and Drought Webinar Series at two time points (2014 and 2021) to examine societal impacts on capacity-building, sensemaking, fact-establishing, communication, decision-making, and social–ecological systems. The North Central U.S. Climate and Drought Webinar Series arose following a 2011 climate disaster and established itself over the next 10 years as a monthly resource for climate and impact information translation and interaction. Survey respondents indicated early benefits related to understanding how to find and use climate information and improved conceptual understanding of climate issues and problems. Many used webinar information to compare with other sources of data or to incorporate into their own communications, uses which can increase overall societal trust in climate information over time. Attendees’ self-reported capacity for using climate information in decision-making and actual use of information in specific decisions or management contexts increased as the webinar series approached the 10-yr mark. Most participants did not note financial or other social–ecological outcomes of their use of the webinars. We conclude by recommending that climate services be evaluated over sufficiently long time periods to capture evolving impacts and that evaluations incorporate impact rubrics that measure subtle yet important societal capacities and decision-making processes related to climate risk management.
