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CR 37:59-75 (2008)  -  DOI: https://doi.org/10.3354/cr00751

Characterising the agro-meteorological implications of climate change scenarios for land management stakeholders

K. B. Matthews1,*, M. Rivington1, K. Buchan1, D. Miller1, G. Bellocchi2

1Macaulay Institute, Craigiebuckler, Aberdeen AB15 8QH, UK
2Agrichiana Farming, Abbadia di Montepulciano, Via di Sciarti n. 33/A, 53040 Siena, Italy

ABSTRACT: Developing a shared understanding of the specific climate change challenges for a particular sector is a vital precursor to effective, research-based support for adaptation in policy and practice. Without processes for developing such shared understandings, serious comprehension gaps between research, policy and practice communities can arise. A social-learning approach to reducing this comprehension gap is presented, undertaking a cooperative assessment with land management stakeholders of preferences for agro-meteorological metrics and co-developing a framework of climate change indicators. The assessment process deliberated on prospective agro-meteorological metrics for case-study locations in Scotland. The preferences and parameterisation for indicators and their presentation were elicited in group interviews and focus groups. A coherent set of indicators was identified to serve as a framework to support awareness-raising activities and stimulate debate on possible adaptation strategies. While the meteorological summaries were effective in highlighting the nature of the change, the agro-meteorological metrics were more effective in encouraging stakeholders to consider possible impacts on their land-use systems and how they might adapt. The credibility of the indicators and the case study data were enhanced through debate and customisation. The authors recommend including a strong social-learning-based component within any climate change research communication strategy. Communicating the outcomes of research in a credible and relevant way increases the likelihood of stimulating positive adaptive change.


KEY WORDS: Climate change · Agriculture · Metrics · Indicators · Stakeholders


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Cite this article as: Matthews KB, Rivington M, Buchan K, Miller D, Bellocchi G (2008) Characterising the agro-meteorological implications of climate change scenarios for land management stakeholders. Clim Res 37:59-75. https://doi.org/10.3354/cr00751

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