Can science diplomacy address the global climate change challenge?

Abstract

Science diplomacy has been used for the broad purpose of international knowledge management. Countries engage in science diplomacy to access and promote knowledge, as well as influence public opinion. Despite the rising interest in science diplomacy, there is very little research on how science diplomacy can be utilized to tackle global challenges such as climate change. This paper aims to bring developing countries in front and show how science and technology cooperation among developing countries and between developing and developed countries can address climate change problems. Looking from a science and technology policy lens and highlighting the difference between science diplomacy and epistemic communities, we investigate structured government attempts in initiating cooperation toward specific ends. This paper looks at five cases: Partnerships for Enhanced Engagement in Research (PEER), Middle East Regional Cooperation (MERC) Program, bilateral cooperation between Germany and China on electromobility, Islamic Development Bank (IDB) Reverse Linkage program, and The China South–South Climate Cooperation Fund. Then it builds a taxonomy on how science diplomacy is used in climate change mitigation and adaptation and attempts to make a synthesis of the cases. We argue that there is room for developing countries in international knowledge management if science diplomacy tools are properly designed and managed to take context‐specific nature of countries into account.

The Boundaries of Scientific Innovation in the EU Green Deal Context

“…The literature linking scientific advice, scientific bodies, and science diplomacy to climate change mitigation and adaptation is thin. [26]. While some cases use 'science for diplomacy' for further relations among countries, some cases aim for 'diplomacy for science' using foreign diplomacy or already established cooperation for the means of international scientific and technological collaboration [25].…”

“…The European Commission has also been active to maintain the dialogue between science and the policy makers in numerous academic conferences and events were a scientific approach to climate change has been provided. Dogan [26] suggests three main objectives for science diplomacy: 1. Science in diplomacy, meaning to include a scientific dimension in reaching objectives in foreign policy.…”

“…In climate change, science diplomacy has the potential of a more structured approach to learning through policy making by taking on an actor centric scheme to address the different agencies and interests [31]. Because particular climate change objectives require cumulative and jointly coordinated decisions over a lengthy course of time, well designed government initiatives of science diplomacy could reach excellent results [26]. The actual examples of science diplomacy with regard to global health, safety and the environment are built upon the significance of joining science and diplomacy efforts to respond more efficiently to global crises [32].…”

Global Digital Analysis for Science Diplomacy on Climate Change and Sustainable Development

“…Science diplomacy catalyzes such international engagements, fostering negotiations, agreements, and collaborations across various spheres [13]. Forums like the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) are proving invaluable, serving as arenas where nations can synchronize and align their efforts toward common goals.…”

Activities Related to an Electromobility Strategy as a Part of Low Carbon Energy Transition: A Survey in Polish Communes

“…In spite of the need to put into effect electromobility strategies and legal standards, up to now there has been little research validating the adopted solutions in practice in public entities, particularly at the local government level [3]. Local strategic actions in electromobility are essential to achieve a long-term reduction in the carbon footprint, mainly combined with local programs for wind [4] and solar [5] energy.…”