Introduction to the Mistra SWECIA Newsletter No 1
Welcome to the first issue of the Mistra SWECIA Newsletter! The Mistra SWECIA is a new Swedish research programme focusing on climate adaptation. The programme started just a few months ago, with a first four-year phase from 2008 to 2011. The programme is a joint effort of eight institutions, three of which are subcontractors. The research efforts are now on their way on four interconnected research topics on climate modelling, climate-economy modelling, climate impacts and adaptation processes. Climate change is definitely at the top of the scientific, political, and practical agenda. In addition to the many and complex basic science issues and efforts on mitigation, adaptation is today recognised as a necessary response. It does not lessen the urgency of mitigation, however, but is nevertheless called for to deal with the impacts that are not avoided. The programme emphasises the couplings between climate and human systems. Not least when it comes to adaptation, there are pressing demands on scientific and practical decision-support. Consequently, the Mistra SWECIA also focuses on stakeholders, social learning and, overall, putting knowledge to use.
The initial programme activities have also included effort on internal working arrangements and building up the interdisciplinary research environment by means of working meetings and science seminars covering all the four pillars of the research agenda.
This Newsletter presents some first results from the programme, but also short papers delivered by visiting experts in the programme scientific seminars. Additional Newsletters will be published as the programme continues. We hope that the presented articles lead to contacts and feedback.
Markku Rummukainen
Mistra SWECIA Programme Director
Download the whole issue of the Newsletter here! (pdf, 660 kB)
