Abstract
The numerous impediments obstructing the optimal use of seasonal climate forecasts are reviewed. These include
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Scientific problems (eg. limited skill)
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Inappropriate content (eg. not forecasting what users need)
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External constraints (eg. inability of users to change decisions)
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Complexity of target system (eg. the impacts of a predictable climate anomaly may be unpredictable)
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Communication problems (eg. confusion due to multiple forecasts)
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User resistance or misuse (eg. user conservatism)
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Cognitive biases (eg. probability illusions)
Strategies to overcome these problems and thereby improve the use of seasonal climate forecasts are discussed.
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Nicholls, N. (2000). Opportunities to Improve the Use of Seasonal Climate Forecasts. In: Hammer, G.L., Nicholls, N., Mitchell, C. (eds) Applications of Seasonal Climate Forecasting in Agricultural and Natural Ecosystems. Atmospheric and Oceanographic Sciences Library, vol 21. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-015-9351-9_19
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