Our European project on climate change and agriculture illustrates many innovative methodologies for climate change impact assessment. For example, a dynamic approach to projections of water demand provides a systematic means to test hypotheses about sensitivity to trends and extremes in climate, the effect of underlying demographic and consumer change, and the impact of demand management. For the first time in our history, we can predict many of the features of our weather and climate. This extraordinary skill underlies our aim to develop techniques for seasonal climate forecasts, with lead times of months to perhaps a few years, and apply them in the management of resources and economies and in disaster preparedness.
Integrated assessment is a growing field that seeks to bridge the three dimensions noted above.
Our work focuses on land cover and land use, economic valuation of climate change damages and understanding climate policy. In association with the Refugee Studies Programme and Department of Geography, this theme addresses the conjuncture of environment and livelihood security. Methodologies underpinning our research relate to integrated assessment. Further details are provided in the project synopses. At the same time, we frequently report results at conferences and workshops.