The need for the International Climate Change Information and Research Programme was identified during Climate 2008, the world’s first scientific conference on climate change, which was held online from 3 to 7 November 2008. Climate 2008, which was followed by Climate 2009 to Climate 2013, was an initiative led by HAW Hamburg in partnership with a wide range of national and international organisations such as UNEP, UNESCO, WMO, IPCC, FAO and many other agencies.
In the context of Climate 2008, a meeting which was virtual in nature but nonetheless attended by over 2,000 participants from 162 countries, it became clear that there is a global demand for information on climate change and a need for mechanisms which allow for a broader understanding of what it means and how it affects people’s lives. Due to its scope, it is necessary to consider climate change as a process influenced by various factors. The search for solutions to the problems caused by climate change cannot be unidimensional. Instead, the issue needs to be pursued in an integrated way, from the following perspectives:
● Socio-economic
● Political
● Ecological
● Ethical
● Health
● Technological
● Bio-physical
The creation of the International Climate Change Information and Research Programme is a concrete step towards the goal of ‘climate change understanding for all’ and supports ongoing efforts in the search for solutions to the problems associated with climate change.
Aims
The aims of the International Climate Change Information and Research Programme are as follows:
● To disseminate the latest findings from scientific research on climate change, including elements related to its environmental, social, economic and policy aspects, in a way that allows them to be understood by non-specialist audiences. This will take place via books, book chapters, journal articles and the media.
● To undertake education, communication and awareness-raising projects on matters related to climate change in both industrialised and developing countries in cooperation with UN agencies, universities, scientific institutions, government bodies, NGOs and other stakeholders.
● To bring together people and organisations to discuss the problems, barriers, challenges, opportunities and potential related to communication on climate change.
Because current Internet technologies can contribute substantially to the rapid and efficient dissemination of information and the latest scientific findings from climate change research, the International Climate Change Information and Research Programme also strives to help meet the demand for climate-friendly and climate-neutral events. Online events such as Climate 2009 and the European Climate Teach-In Days have therefore been organised as a complement to conventional events.
Last but not least, the International Climate Change Information and Research Programme encourages increased networking and information exchange and promotes new cooperation initiatives and projects.
