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Inside the Greenhouse

Sensitivity Analysis (SA) Theme

Given the multi-causal nature of most climate impacts, and the large uncertainties typically associated with efforts to quantify the relations between a particular cause, for example global temperature rise, and an impact, for example coastal inundation, one apparent approach to guiding science policy decisions and climate policy decisions is to look for areas of relative strength in relations between causes and impacts, and focus research in support of decision making in such areas.

SPARC will evaluate three major areas of anticipated climate impact: water resources, public health, and ecosystem function. The goal is not to predict but to provide information about the relative sensitivity of impacts to various causal factors. Such information can enhance the bases of effective decisions about climate science priorities, as well as decisions for addressing climate impacts, without the additional reduction in or characterization of uncertainty.

For more information on the ongoing Ecosystem Function Sensitivity Analysis activities, click here.