ORCID

Abstract

Rapid environmental change is driving the need for complex and comprehensive scientific information that supports policies aimed at managing natural resources through international treaties, platforms, and networks. One successful approach for delivering such information has been the development of Essential Variables for climate (1), oceans (2), biodiversity (3), and sustainable development goals (4) (ECVs, EOVs, EBVs, and ESDGVs, respectively). These efforts have improved consensus on terminology, and identified essential sets of measurements for characterizing and monitoring changes on our planet. In doing so, they have advanced science and informed policy. As an important but largely unanticipated consequence, conceptualizing these variables has also given rise to discussions regarding data discovery, data access, and governance of research infrastructures. Such discussions are vital to ensure effective storage, distribution, and use of data among management agencies, scientists, and policymakers (5, 6).

DOI

10.1073/ps.1911799116

Publication Date

2019-08-13

Publication Title

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of USA

ISSN

0027-8424

Embargo Period

2020-07-10

Organisational Unit

School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences

Download

Share

COinS