Online collaboration to enable research and planning in climate change biology and adaptation science

Background/Question/Methods

An important, but largely unmet, challenge in climate change biology is integrating simulations and observational data over time and space to identify common patterns and processes and inform conservation planning. Many studies develop theories of biotic responses to climate change in the hope that such theories generalize. Other studies develop methodologies that can be extended to many species and localities. And still other research measures the rate and scope of biotic responses across taxa and biomes. Yet, a critical gap is compilation and comparison of impact data as it emerges that can be shared and collectively analyzed.

To address the need for synthesis, as well as the need for a community of experts grappling with complex data and decisions about climate change, we built a virtual organization for simulation and social networking called the Collaboratory for Climate Change Adaptation (http://adapt.nd.edu). The Collaboratory runs HubZero, generalized software that enables collaboration, data sharing, and work group formation. Initial tools in the Collaboratory include the NatureServe Climate Change Vulnerability Index and the Open Modeller platform for geographic range modeling. Both tools are enhanced with databasing and datasharing features. The Collaboratory also links to emerging online resources so that researchers and stakeholders can find multiple resources in one location.

Results/Conclusions

In exchange for access to tools and collaborative space, the Collaboratory stores simulation outputs and data on site usage. The former is used for synthetic analyses across multiple locations and species. The latter is used to study on online community-formation and the importance of simulation and community deliberation in adaptation decision-making. Usage statistics and preliminary synthesis results will be presented. The Collaboratory for Climate Change Adaptation offers a new approach to adaptation science that could be adopted in other fields where synthesis and debate are needed in real-time.