‘Engagement’ in Future Earth: Supporting a Step Change in Global Science-Policy Interactions

Abstract:

Future Earth is distinguished not only by its overarching interdisciplinary research foci – dynamic planet, global development and social transformation to sustainability – but by its commitment to produce science that is policy-relevant and that aims to get used in policy- and decision-making. More than lip service, this commitment to co-designed, co-produced, and co-implemented problem-driven, solutions-oriented science indicates a significant shift in orientation. But what does it really mean and how will it be implemented? This presentation will highlight key elements of a white paper/guidance document on "engagement", developed by the Future Earth Science and (interim) Engagement Committees. The presentation will describe what Future Earth means by "engagement," how it builds on past theory and practice but also differs in scope and scale, and how Future Earth will support the implementation of this participatory science and decision-making approach at various levels (from the local to the global).