Introduction to the Mistra SWECIA Newsletter No 2
Welcome to the second issue of the Mistra SWECIA Newsletter! The first programme year is nearing its completion. Since January 2008, we have worked hard to get the show on the road. Consequently, we now have left the start-up phase behind us and in earnest have plunged into our research on climate, economy, impacts and adaptation.Lifting the gaze from the daily efforts, it is striking how the agendas around us are laden with relevant topics. The downturn of the global economy has been seen both as a hinder and a facilitator in dealing with climate change. The science on the climate system and impacts has raised new warning flags on the expectation of perhaps even more imminent risks ahead of us than what has been perceived so far. These findings need to be put into perspective, but we cannot ignore the fact that they already are out there.
Science underlies climate politics. At the recent UNFCCC COP14 at Poznań, some of the key concepts were adaptation, finance and technology. Land use and, not least, how to make progress by the next meeting in Copenhagen in 2009 were also burning issues.
Mistra-SWECIA provides relevant new science. Although we take a long-term view on building up new knowledge, we of course are mindful of the need of support to the processes and decisions on climate change issue right here, right now.
The present Newsletter provides concrete examples of these ambitions, such as new scenarios on regional climate change and efforts on models capable of providing more comprehensive scenarios. Due consideration is given to framing by means of common assumptions on nonclimate developments, by means of a Common Scenario Framework (CSF).
Enjoy the Newsletter, and get back to us with comments, suggestions and questions!
Markku Rummukainen
Mistra-SWECIA Programme Director
Download the whole issue of the Newsletter here! (pdf, 760 kB)
