Description:

Built on the Earth sciences, the “Weather Enterprise” exists to observe, model, forecast, and communicate data and information about weather, water, and climate for the benefit of society. The entire weather information process extends past the activities of the weather enterprise to the communication, reception, comprehension, use, and value of weather information. Over the last several decades there have been numerous calls from the hydro-meteorological community, from policy makers, and organizations and individuals concerned with societal impacts of weather, water, and climate events to develop a better understanding of the socio-economic aspects of hydro-meteorological events and forecasts of these events. A focus on economics comes from a desire to use economic information to justify programs or to use economics to prioritize investments in the weather enterprise. A broader understanding of economics sees the potential of economics as a study of human behavior and as a tool for understanding decision making using environmental information. This broader understanding also recognizes that economics is only one of the many social sciences – an array of disciplines, methods, and applications that are important in meeting the needs of the Earth science and weather community and society. Building on two well-attended and informative sessions held in January 2020 in Boston, presentations in this session discuss efforts to develop a socio-economic capacity for the weather enterprise; characterize and communicate the value of information to various sectors and the public; and specific studies and analysis of the benefits of observations, communication, and warning processes./While much has been stated on impacts of a changing climate from physical, chemical, biological, and social perspectives, the interconnection between climate information and impacts to various sectors.  Understanding the linkages between climate information and a sector’s socioeconomic activity would benefit both sector practitioners and climate scientists. Scientists want to ensure the accurate application of information, and sectors want to understand ways the science can be used for their future adaptation and resilience planning. 

This session includes economists, sector-based decision-makers and researchers to offer sector-specific examples on the use of environmental information and its impact on product and service delivery. Session participants will share known user needs, challenges, and opportunities in their sector of study, how scientists can meaningfully interact with different sectors, and where climate scientists can develop new or enhance existing products and services.