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Part of the book series: Atmospheric and Oceanographic Sciences Library ((ATSL,volume 21))

Abstract

The numerous impediments obstructing the optimal use of seasonal climate forecasts are reviewed. These include

  • Scientific problems (eg. limited skill)

  • Inappropriate content (eg. not forecasting what users need)

  • External constraints (eg. inability of users to change decisions)

  • Complexity of target system (eg. the impacts of a predictable climate anomaly may be unpredictable)

  • Communication problems (eg. confusion due to multiple forecasts)

  • User resistance or misuse (eg. user conservatism)

  • 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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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-015-9351-9_19

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