The challenge
Difficulty accessing appropriate regional climate change data and information
A great deal of climate change data and information has been developed across the Asia-Pacific region, but awareness of these products is generally not widespread.
Much of the currently available climate information is raw scientific data, which is not user-friendly. It needs to be translated and delivered in a way that end users can understand and apply. This restricts opportunities for nations in the region to learn and benefit from each other. Above all, resources for developing and applying climate change information are limited.
Our response
A climate data and information portal
Working with the Asian Development Bank, Griffith University and the Government of Japan, we developed a climate data and information portal for the Asia-Pacific. The portal contains a climate data repository with links to climate datasets for across the region.
Detailed case studies, demonstrating the use of climate change information, are documented on the portal, providing real-world examples of the use of climate change information in adaptation planning.
The resource library contains links to a range of information products and knowledge resources that can be used for climate change adaptation and resilience planning.
The results
Accessible climate resources for Asia and the Pacific
The portal provides a means for nations across the Asia-Pacific to readily share resources and learn from each other's activities, significantly cutting the individual investment needed to undertake impact and adaptation activities.
The provision of detailed guidelines and examples along with climate data-sets is helping to build the capacity of regional stakeholders to independently identify climate change impacts. This is facilitating the incorporation of climate change information into policy and planning decisions.