Decision Making in a Changing Climate - World Resources Institute

Table 1.2 Examples of Sectoral Decisions Affected by Climate Change19SectorAgricultureNational-LevelDecision-Making ProcessesNational Agriculture PlanCrop Management PlanExamples of Key DecisionsSector-Based FocusClimate change affects numerous policy arenas, ranging from sectors such as energy, agriculture,forestry, water and transport (see Table 1.2) to overarching finance, development, economicgrowth, emergency preparedness, and security policies. The comprehensive nature of the responserequired is due in part to the far-reaching impacts of climate change, as well as its uncertainty,requiring complex planning and both short- and long-term decision making.While cross-sectoral decisions such as tax, trade, and fiscal policies will play critical roles inshaping communities’ ability to adapt to climate change, this report and its research base primarilyfocus on sectoral planning and policymaking processes, 15 as national goals will be made operationalat the sectoral level, which is thus a key entry point for adaptation. 16 A key element of our researchis 12 in-depth developing-country case studies of relevant policy processes in climate-sensitivesectors: agriculture, water supply, forest management / land use, coastal zone management, andelectricity production. Many of the countries studied divide the responsibilities of government,and plan, at the sectoral level.Focus on Policies and PlansThe attention of this report is focused on how governmental decision making, and specifically policiesand plans, can be adapted to integrate risks posed by climate change—the difference beingthat a policy establishes approaches to meet certain objectives, while plans outline the decisionsalready made and the actions taken to implement policies. 17 The standard basic policy and planningcycle has been amended for the adaptation planning and policymaking process. For example, theU.S. National Academy of Sciences has outlined the following steps: identifying current and futurechanges, vulnerability and risk; developing a strategy, including the identification of opportunitiesand co-benefits across sectors; implementation; and monitoring and evaluation.• Choice between irrigation vs. rain-fed cropping• Introduction of new crop varieties• Relocation of farm communitiesEnergy National Energy Policy/Strategy • Choice of power generation• Choice to extend the grid vs. distributed generation• Siting of new power plantsNaturalResourcesManagementUrbanPlanning /InfrastructureWaterCoastal Zone Management PlanForest Management PlanProtected Areas PlanNational Invasive Species Management PlanManagement Plans for Marineand Recreational FishingNational Transportation PlanRoad Maintenance Finance PlanNational Highway PlanNational Water PolicyIntegrated Water Resource Management Plan• Planning for endangered/protected species• Establishment of protected areas• Determination of maximum fish catch• Choice between hard vs. soft coastal protection measures• Control of disease, pests, and invasive species• Location of mass transit• Construction of bridges and highways• Expansion of watershed restoration programs• Development of river basin cooperative agreement• Repair and redesign aging/leaking infrastructure• Enhanced flood control infrastructureTourism National Tourism Plan • Creation of ecotourism destinationsCross-sectoralFive-year National Development PlansNational Adaptation Program of Action• Identification of adaptation and development priorities• Prioritization of sectors and populationsthe adaptation Chapter title imperativedecision making in a changing climate