Description:

This panel will bring together a group of 5 researchers focused on the human and social impacts dimensions of weather/water/climate phenomena and events to conduct a conversation about several key issues related to data collection, interpretation, security, utility, comparability, and axiological concerns. Crucial questions about equity, participation, and representation of the full spectrum of the human social sphere (individuals and communities) will be raised. This conversation will seek to describe the current state of data collection practices and lead to the identification of critical gaps in practice and thinking. Such gaps need to be prioritized in light of ethical urgencies surrounding inequities or potential inequities in data practices resulting in limited understanding that in turn leads to problematic public policies addressing weather/water/climate societal impacts. In addition, a set of 4-7 respondents representing a range of underrepresented communities will be asked to engage the panelists with comments and questions prior to engaging with the entire audience.

 This panel will have 3 phases. The first 30 minutes will consist of the researchers talking in response to a small set of questions they have been given to think about prior to the conference. The second phase (also 30 minutes) will consist of the questions and engagement between the researchers and the community representatives. The third phase of the final 30 minutes will open the entire discussion to include the audience as invited and facilitated by the session chair.