Linking Science to Decision Making in the Great Lakes Region

How does one provide timely and useful scientific information about climate change to decision makers in the Great Lakes Region so they can make more informed decisions? Decision makers and resource managers are becoming increasingly aware that climate change may have important implications for the work they do and attainment of their goals, and should therefore be an additional consideration in their decision making processes. They understand the need to anticipate and adapt to a changing climate. Consequently, there is a growing demand for scientific information, data, models, and tools to inform and facilitate decisions. 

This paper presents three key messages: (1) It is now possible to conduct scientifically-sound, place-based assessments of the potential impacts of climate change that could inform decision makers in the Great Lakes Region. (2) Decision support resources other than assessments exist that can be used by resource managers to incorporate considerations of climate change into their day-to-day operations. (3) It is essential that developers of decision support resources engage the end users to ensure the timeliness and effectiveness of the products.

(This paper will appear in a forthcoming conference volume from Michigan State University.)