LECTURE 21: What is the Role of Climate Assessments in 2020?

This volume celebrates many aspects of the diverse and influential work of Martin Parry. This particular article is inspired by the roles he has played in assessments of climate change impacts, including through the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). In the spirit of his contributions to improving the scientific foundations for effective decision-making (e.g., [Carter et al., 1994; IPCC, 2007b]) I would like to reflect on how the role of assessments needs to change to better support adaptation and mitigation of climate change. While the article describes potential extensions to the US National Climate Assessment that would increase its usability and impact, some of the observations and ideas may have potential relevance to other countries and the IPCC.