Decision Making in a Changing Climate - World Resources Institute

21We acknowledge that some of our research findings may be context-specific and that thereare limits to the comprehensiveness of the solutions presented. We also acknowledge the limitsof our national-level focus. In some cases, the governance of climate risks will require differentor additional measures beyond the integration of risks into ongoing national practices. Althoughnational governments can play an important bridging role, many adaptation activities are led andimplemented by local governments. Also, some national governments have power in the handsof too few and fail to engage civil society in decision making. Ethnic, religious, linguistic, andother identities may not correspond to national boundaries. A sole focus on national-level decisionmakingprocesses may lead to maladaptation across borders, overlooking certain climate impactsand increasing exposure or vulnerability elsewhere. 20 In addition, the national level may not beappropriate for managing transnational resources. For example, ecosystems do not always liewithin national country boundaries. Also, our sectoral focus should not detract from the need forhigh-level leadership roles from economic development and finance ministries, which we discussfurther in Chapter 5.Many of the conclusions are drawn primarily from the research carried out specifically for thisreport. Proven examples of what works are few and far between, and monitoring and evaluationof outcomes is often weak. 21 The lessons we draw from our case studies can be highly contextspecific.Likewise, Chapters 3 through 7 are not designed to give a comprehensive treatment ofpublic engagement and other elements but, rather, to highlight useful lessons, examples, andoptions stemming from our research.To complement our research, we assessed literature on adaptive governance, 22 uncertainty, 23capacities and principles for adaptation decision making, 24 risk management, and decision-makingtools for complex problem solving. We build upon this literature, with the hope of making itmore accessible and concrete to planners and policymakers, highlighting detailed examples of howingredients for more effective decision making can be realized on the ground.It is our hope that this report provides insights that will enhance the capacity of governmentsto adapt to a changing climate.the adaptation Chapter title imperativedecision making in a changing climate