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The role of science

The role of science. Steinar Andresen, Fridtjof Nansen Institute 1st COST Training School on IEN as Governance process Athens November 25 2009. In international environmental management. Following points covered:. Science, knowledge and local knowledge: Conceptual clarification

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The role of science

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  1. The role of science Steinar Andresen, Fridtjof Nansen Institute 1st COST Training School on IEN as Governance process Athens November 25 2009 In international environmental management

  2. Following points covered: • Science, knowledge and local knowledge: Conceptual clarification • Why do we need science in environmental management? • What is the role of science in environmental management?: Five agreements - pluss.. • What decides the impact of science? • Examples from some international institutions • Concluding remarks

  3. Conceptual clarification: Knowledge is broad, science is more narrow Local knowledge is important, but not sufficient Science is advanced knowledge The scientific method Science: Diagnose problems and prescribe cures Different IR approaches Why we need science: In principal a ‘neutral’ input, but is it..? On the side of the environment/resource Reflect on the absence of science Significant, but seldom decisive, politics decide New sources of science Still, important to enhance effectiveness Epistemic communities

  4. The role of science: • Based on findings from five MEA’s; mostly env. • Generally recognised as major supplier of decision premises • Governments rarely disputes ‘consensual knowledge’ • Some kind of collective actions usually taken • Conclusive evidence not necessary for action • Autonomy and involvement serves different functions - in different phases and for different parties

  5. The impact of science: • Consensual knowledge vs. uncertainty/disputes • Feasible cure (technology) vs. no cure available • ‘Neutral’ issues vs. ‘value-laden’ • Strong ‘pushers’ vs. strong ‘laggards’ • Rapid and dramatic vs. slow and as expected • Visible effects vs. ‘invisible’ problems • Strong public attention vs. little attention • Low political conflicts vs. high political conflicts

  6. Illustration from climate • Development of early science • IPCCC principal source • History and organization • Recommendation and political action • Why mismatch between the two? • New ’environmental wave’, mostly climate • Why this development? • Effects - new problem structure? • Effects of the financial crisis?

  7. Examples from the IWC • Four different phases can be identified • First phase: Weak science - no impact • Second phase: Improved science - stronger impact • Third phase: Continued improved science - modest impact • Fourth phase: Continued improved science - more impact? • Lessons to be learned • The way forward

  8. Concluding comments • Science an important decision premise • All MEAs covered have scientific bodies • Tendency to more utilisation over time • Broader scientific input • Consensual science more important than advanced science • Most important in agenda-setting stage • The science-policy design is important • Still - moderate impact, unless interaction with other ‘benign’ factors

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