The interplay of meaning and power in the science-policy-society triangle: powering, puzzling and co-producing climate change adaptation

Decision-making in relation to climate change is knowledge-intensive. Without systematic observations and advanced mathematical models, even awareness of climate change would be very limited. At the same time, important uncertainties about the nature and scale of risks and the effectiveness of solutions will persist. In addition, climate change is also a high-stake issue, affecting a range of sectors and policy domains. Taking climate change mitigation seriously requires drastically reconsidering current practice in domains like energy, transport, agriculture, housing etc. Depending on the severity and timing of climate impacts, more or less drastic adjustments will be needed in domains like water management, spatial planning, agriculture, tourism, nature etc.