The Role of Science in Advising the Decision Making Process: A Pathway for Building Effective Climate Change Mitigation Policies in Mexico at the Local Level

Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2016 Apr 27;13(5):451. doi: 10.3390/ijerph13050451.

Abstract

This study examines a pathway for building urban climate change mitigation policies by presenting a multi-dimensional and transdisciplinary approach in which technical, economic, environmental, social, and political dimensions interact. Now, more than ever, the gap between science and policymaking needs to be bridged; this will enable judicious choices to be made in regarding energy and climate change mitigation strategies, leading to positive social impacts, in particular for the populations at-risk at the local level. Through a case study in Juarez, Chihuahua, Mexico, we propose a multidimensional and transdisciplinary approach with the role of scientist as policy advisers to improve the role of science in decision-making on mitigation policies at the local level in Mexico.

Keywords: climate change mitigation; climate change mitigation policies; science into policy; urban climate change.

MeSH terms

  • Cities / legislation & jurisprudence*
  • Climate Change*
  • Conservation of Natural Resources / legislation & jurisprudence*
  • Decision Making
  • Humans
  • Interprofessional Relations*
  • Local Government
  • Mexico
  • Policy Making*
  • Politics*
  • Science*