Record Details
A collaborative potential assessment of project atmospheric brown clouds
ScholarsArchive at Oregon State University
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Title | A collaborative potential assessment of project atmospheric brown clouds |
| Names |
McNally, Amy
(creator) Wolf, Aaron (advisor) |
| Date Issued | 2008-06-27 (iso8601) |
| Note | Graduation date: 2009 |
| Abstract | Collaboration between scientists and decision makers is a critical element in mobilizing science into action. Likewise, the United Nations defines collaboration between scientists and policymakers as a requisite component in the process of sustainable development. Despite the UN sustainability movement beginning in 1983, scientists may still be frustrated by their findings being misinterpreted or manipulated by policymakers while policy scholars contend that scientific policy designs may not adequately address social concerns. Studies indicate that shared understandings, achieved through dialogue, perceived interdependence and collaborative processes can address the concerns of both science and policy communities and make progress toward the goals of sustainability. This case study assessed the collaborative potential of Project Atmospheric Brown Clouds (ABC), an institution that aims to advance sustainable development through climate and pollution observations, impact assessments and the promotion of awareness and mitigation measures. Collaborative potential is defined as the ability for parties to work together toward a common goal. In this case scientists and policymakers are working toward the common goal of managing transboundary air pollution and its associated impacts on human and climate systems. To explore Project ABC’s approach to integrating science and policy, I conducted a content analysis of ABC documents and created composite conceptual maps of ABC programs. I then compared these models, or concept maps, to an ideal, collaborative model of program management to assess ABC’s collaborative potential. I find that ABC effectively engages in dialogue and perceives interdependence while managing programs that conduct basic research and impact assessments. However, the Impact Assessment and Awareness and Mitigation programs have low collaborative potential with social interest groups and policymakers because ABC does not perceive interdependence or engage in dialogue with these parties. The implications are that ABC is not effectively communicating information to nonscientists, thereby impeding the promotion of sustainable development policy. |
| Genre | Thesis |
| Topic | global climate change |
| Identifier | http://hdl.handle.net/1957/9323 |
