Prospects and challenges of transdisciplinary research approaches for managing and communicating climate-related risks

This study discusses insights, lessons learned, opportunities and challenges in the development and implementation of stakeholder focused, transdisciplinary research approaches in the context of managing and communicating climate-related risks more effectively. The Sendai Framework highlights the need for closer collaboration across society to manage climate-related risks more effectively, for which the UNDRR set up a Stakeholder Engagement Mechanism. Fostering procedural justice through stakeholder engagement and participation is regarded key for enhancing understanding between stakeholder groups involved in disaster risk management and climate change adaptation, reducing conflict, and promoting cooperation towards a more just and effective risk management.

The study finds that collaborative research approaches (1) enable diverse societal stakeholders to better understand the interacting dimensions of risks as well as each other’s interests and needs in addressing such risks; and (2) engage societal stakeholders beyond traditional policy and decision-making communities in informed and inclusive public debate around challenges and solutions to climate risk management.