Why international cooperation in climate change research matters
International cooperation in climate science research is essential due to the inherently global nature of climate change. In addition, climate research often relies on expensive infrastructure and observation systems that call for effective burden sharing mechanisms across jurisdictions.
Collaborative efforts facilitate filling the knowledge and data gaps by pooling resources and expertise from diverse countries and regions, enabling a more comprehensive, robust and context-specific understanding of climate dynamics and their impacts.
By fostering collaboration among scientists, policymakers, and stakeholders across borders, international cooperation is also an essential tool for science diplomacy – it builds trust, and strengthens diplomatic ties, laying the foundation for more concerted climate action on a global scale.
Scientific cooperation is especially necessary to improve consensus between the Global North and the Global South within the UNFCCC process.
The work of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) is a prime example of how instrumental scientific cooperation is for shaping effective mitigation and adaptation responses. The IPCC reports not only represent an essential source of information about climate change, but they also mainstream science into policy processes and help to forge consensus among governments, creating the necessary momentum for the implementation of the Paris Agreement.
More information on how EU-funded research contributes to the work of the IPCC.
EU projects
Projects currently supported by Horizon Europe under Destination 1 “Climate sciences and responses for the transformation towards climate neutrality” of Cluster 5 (Climate, Energy and Mobility). In addition, international cooperation is generally encouraged for most of climate science projects, with many non-EU partners participating in consortia (not listed here):
