Climate Science and Knowledge

CI's work on the national scale includes:

• Testing methodologies and supporting frameworks for new low-carbon strategies that can mitigate climate change while promoting critical development.
• Engaging national governments and scientific institutions to understand the vulnerability of human and natural systems.
• Developing and promoting the adoption of ecosystem-based strategies in national mitigation and adaptation plans.

National vulnerability assessments

Many national governments around the world are pursuing innovative, ecosystem-based approaches to climate change. By identifying likely climate impacts and recommending actions for building climate resilience and adaptive capacity, CI and partners are spearheading much-needed integrated vulnerability and adaptation assessments in places like Madagascar, the Galápagos Islands and Chiapas, Mexico.

Establishing national REDD+ methodologies

CI has completed baseline deforestation analyses for Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Liberia, Madagascar, Sumatra and northern Mesoamerica. Our continuing work in assessing and monitoring patterns of deforestation through real-time monitoring of illegal logging and fire has also provided invaluable information for the development and monitoring of REDD+ programs.

Advising nations: Preparing for REDD+ and ecosystem-based adaptation

Creating a national REDD+ framework is no easy task; considerations must be made to ensure that incentives are structured appropriately, policies designed correctly and forest protection is strategically managed. CI uses analytical tools to help governments in the initial stages of REDD+ planning to understand the implications behind their decision-making. In addition to reviewing national readiness plans, CI provides baseline deforestation information and maps of forest cover and deforestation analyses to governments who rely on this information to inform decision-making.

Many countries are creating integrated national adaptation plans to better prepare for and deal with climate change impacts as they look toward increased, sustainable economic development. CI's global offices are also engaged in these planning processes and act as trusted advisors and scientific experts to support their government’s climate adaptation efforts.