2025-06-29-兰德-连接数据和决策-从共同生产中大西洋气候工具中吸取的经验教训（英）_36页_2mb

Bridging Data and Decisions: Co-Producing Climate Tools for the Mid-Atlantic

Overview:
RAND researchers, in collaboration with NOAA, co-produced over 30 climate data tools for the Mid-Atlantic region over eight years. These tools support decision-making on climate adaptation, infrastructure planning, and hazard mitigation. The work emphasizes co-production, user-centered design, and iterative feedback processes to enhance tool usability and relevance.

Key Tools and Findings

1. MARISA’s Tools

• Seasonal Climate Summaries: Interactive visualizations of weather events, trends, and future projections (e.g., hurricane tracks, extreme heat, precipitation).
• Community Climate Outlooks: County-specific summaries of climate risks and impacts (e.g., tailored for coastal vs. inland areas).
• CHaMP Tool: Integrates historical and projected climate data with hazard information (e.g., extreme rainfall, flooding).
• IDF Curve Tool: Provides climate-informed intensity-duration-frequency curves for infrastructure planning (aligned with NOAA’s Atlas 14).

2. User Feedback and Impact

• High Engagement: Tools like CHaMP and IDF Curve were used by ~5,000+ and 8,000+ users, respectively, supporting regional planning and resilience.
• Positive Outcomes: Users reported improved decision-making, risk communication, and integration into policy frameworks.
• Areas for Improvement:
  • Enhanced supporting documentation (e.g., clearer guidance on scenario selection).
  • Expanded functionality (e.g., intra-storm intensity data, Chesapeake Bay tidal range).
  • Better outreach to smaller/lower-resourced communities.

Best Practices for Climate Data Tool Development

1. Address User-Defined Data Gaps: Tools must directly respond to specific data needs or decision-making challenges.
2. Design for Real-World Integration: Align tool outputs with existing workflows (e.g., GIS layers, regulatory compliance).
3. Match Complexity to User Capacity: Provide simple outputs for non-expert users and detailed data for technical audiences.
4. Prioritize Iteration: Conduct beta testing and gather user feedback throughout development and post-publication.
5. Build Complementary Resources: Include training materials, user guides, and case studies to support practical application.

Challenges and Limitations

• Resource Constraints: Balancing technical sophistication with accessibility is challenging due to limited funding for maintenance and updates.
• Co-Production Feasibility: While beneficial, the time demands of user engagement may not align with project timelines.
• Outreach Gaps: Tools primarily reach state and large local agencies, limiting engagement with smaller communities.

Conclusion

Co-producing climate tools through partnerships, user feedback, and iterative design ensures that climate data translates into actionable insights. MARISA’s experience highlights the importance of balancing scientific robustness with usability, while addressing equity in outreach to expand tool accessibility.