Planning and Evaluating the Societal Impacts of Climate Change Research Projects: A guidebook for natural and physical scientists looking to make a difference

Abstract

As scientists, we aim to generate new knowledge and insights about the world around us. We often measure the impacts of our research by how many times our colleagues reference our work, an indicator that our research has contributed something new and important to our field of study. But how does our research contribute to solving the complex societal and environmental challenges facing our communities and our planet? The goal of this guidebook is to illuminate the path toward greater societal impact, with a particular focus on this work within the natural and physical sciences. We were inspired to create this guidebook after spending a collective 20+ years working in programs dedicated to moving climate science into action. We have seen firsthand how challenging and rewarding the work is. We’ve also seen that this applied, engaged work often goes unrecognized and unrewarded in academia. Projects and programs struggle with the expectation of connecting science with decision making because the skills necessary for this work aren’t taught as part of standard academic training. While this guidebook cannot close all of the gaps between climate science and decision making, we hope it provides our community of impact-driven climate scientists with new perspectives and tools. The guidebook offers tested and proven approaches for planning projects that optimize engagement with societal partners, for identifying new ways of impacting the world beyond academia, and for developing the skills to assess and communicate these impacts to multiple audiences including the general public, colleagues, and elected leaders.