Parallel and Side Events Contents Page

Launch of a type II Partnership to strengthen science-based decision-making

Presented by the US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) and the US National Academies

This event launched a type II Partnership between the EPA and the US National Academies, aimed at strengthening science-based decision-making.

Twig Johnson, the National Academies, explained that the Partnership aimed at: mobilizing the scientific community; improving the involvement of science in the decision making process; and increasing the responsiveness of science to decision makers' needs.

Sherwood Rowland, 1995 Nobel Prize Winner in Chemistry, described the role of scientists in the process that led to the adoption of the Montreal Protocol on the Protection of the Ozone Layer.

Richard Benedick, US, recalled that scientists had deliberately been strongly involved in the negotiating process of the Montreal Protocol. He stressed that assessment panels had been establsihed under the Protocol in order to make it an agreement responsive to advancements in scientific knowledge. He emphasized the importance of linking science and negotiation.

Linda Fisher, US EPA, said that successful environmental policies involve science in decision-making. She stressed that it is impossible to identify environmental threats and develop appropriate responses without scientific data. Fisher recommended that policy makers be involved in setting the scientific agenda, and stressed the need to improve and increase the frequency of dialogues between scientists and decision makers.

Samuel Smolik, Dow Chemical/American Chemistry Council, underscored the importance of dialogue between policy makers and scientists, and expressed commitment to the Partnership.

Thomas Lovejoy, H. John Heinz III Center for Science, Economics, and the Environment, gave examples of successful science-policy interactions, including one related to the hydrological cycle of the Amazon Basin.

Eduardo Krieger, Brazil, stressed the importance of academia in contributing to a successful partnership, and of better decision making.

Yves Quéré, France, noted the usefulness of engaging academics in science-policy dialogues, stressing their independence, quality of work and long-term employment.

Science and politics

Presented by the Fridtjof Nansen Institute (FNI)

Willy østreng, FNI, highlighted the differences of scientific and political approaches to problem-solving and noted the need to foster dialogue between the two communities. He explained that the FNI aims to bridge the gap between scientists and policy makers by identifying relevant obstacles and appropriate solutions. He invited speakers to comment on the contribution to sustainable development of the 2002-2003 Yearbook of International Cooperation on Environment and Development (YBICED).

Elsbeth Tronstad, Norway, said that the YBICED's findings are crucial for environmental policy and governance. She highlighted that the YBICED creates public awareness and mobilizes participation of governments, the private sector, NGOs and civil society. Tronstad noted the Chinese-Norwegian environmental cooperation for developing scientific knowledge on environmental problems, and stressed that scientific knowledge helps to reach consensus on common challenges and actions.

Xie Zhenhua, Minister of the State Environmental Protection Administration of the People's Republic of China, said that the YBICED is a significant outcome of the Chinese-Norwegian cooperation and a tool for delivering information to those concerned about environment and development.

Robert Bertolline, WHO, noted that the YBICED demonstrates that the international community can find means and actions to overcome environmental problems.

Rasmus Hansson, WWF, explained that NGOs rely on scientific evidence for their work as environmental activists and advocates, and highlighted the need to develop agreement on environmental issues. He stressed that scientific analysis continues to help the WWF and other NGOs to formulate alternatives to current environmental policies.

Olav Schram Stokke, FNI, said that the YBICED provides: a summary of international agreements on environment and development, an analysis of environmental governance, and a review of countries' performances in implementing commitments. Stokke stressed that the YBICED allows governments, the private sector, NGOs, the media and others to assess governments' compliance of environmental agreements.

Earth observation for sustainable development

Presented by the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), the Japanese National Space Development Agency (NASDA), and the Japanese Marine Science and Technology Center (JAMSTEC)

Hiroshi Nagano, MEXT, stated that the WSSD Plan of Implementation should provide guidance to improve earth observation, including by: promoting joint observation, research, and data-sharing; investing in capacity building; increasing assistance to developing countries; and disseminating data to meet requirements of world-wide users. Nagano underscored that a global partnership is essential to foster earth observation.

Kaname Ikeda, NASDA, highlighted NASDA's cooperation with agencies and partners from developed and developing countries aimed at adopting an integrated approach to earth observation. He explained that a NASDA satellite, developed in partnership with the US, provides data on the water cycle. He announced the launch of a new satellite in 2004, equipped with special sensors to monitor the weather and provide useful information on global environmental disasters.

Hirofumi Sakuma, Earth Simulator Center, introduced the Center's research and contribution to sustainable development. He explained that the research links and analyzes simulation, observation, and modeling related to climate change. Sakuma explained that the Earth Simulator project utilizes the world's biggest computer, in operation since March 2002, which creates a virtual earth and generates simulations of global and local-scale phenomena.

Masao Fukasawa, JAMSTEC, highlighted that in 2004 Japan will launch a southern hemisphere cruise in collaboration with other countries. The cruise will collect and measure data at 496 stations relating to water temperature, salinity, oxygen, carbon dioxide, freons, and other chemical.

Stephen Briggs, Committee on Earth Observation Satellites (CEOS), described CEOS' role in the WSSD process, including: cooperation in Type II partnerships relating to mission planning and data, and policy development; functioning as a focal point for the international user community; and exchanging information on policies and technology. Briggs highlighted that CEOS focuses on the perceived needs of the global user community, inter alia: oceans, atmospheric chemistry, carbon cycle, and water cycle.

Linda Moodie, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), underscored that NOAA works closely with CEOS. She described NOAA's activities on disaster management, which include promoting satellite data, recommending improvements, providing supporting tools, and pursuing cooperation with commercial sector.