The group discussed a number of informational and data needs pertinent to managing climate-related disasters. There was significant concern that timely and spatially appropriate data are not always available. Decisionmaking The group also attempted to characterize a number of informational and other problems regarding decisionmaking for disaster management. One of the key issues identified was the significant mismatch between events and decisions. Another issue, in this regard, is the dynamic nature of these processes.
Communication Related to the matters of decisionmaking are essential communication improvements.
These include improving communication to the public as part of any mitigation strategy, and this involves walking the fine line between apathy and panic. It is important for communicators to provide not only accurate and timely information, but also to be able to convey a sense of efficacy. It is also important to communicate information to particular sectors that is relevant to those managers' specific needs. Finally the group turned to the policy issues and research needs emerging out of the previously described examination.