Water, Climate and Uncertanity: An Introduction to the Issues, Language, Literature and the Conference Materials June 11-13 2003

• Description: Water, Climate and Uncertanity: An Introduction to the Issues, Language, Literature and the Conference Materials June 11-13 2003
• State: CO
• Date: 7/11/2003
• Author: Kenney, Doug
• Title: Water, Climate and Uncertanity: An Introduction to the Issues, Language, Literature and the Conference Materials June 11-13 2003
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Meeting

INTRODUCTION TO THE "GUIDEBOOK"
A staggering number of studies, projects, and organizations exist that explore some element crucial
to the relationship between potential future climatic conditions and the water resources of the
American West. Unfortunately, tying this wealth of information together in a useful way is often
beyond the training of any one individual or group of individuals. The purpose of this guidebook,
and (in part) the conference it supports, is to build bridges and understanding between two
traditionally isolated groups of individuals concerned about water and climate: research scientists
interested in climate studies and hydrology, and the community of water resources decision - makers,
regulators, planners, and managers trained in disciplines such as law, policy, and economics.
In the case of both communities, finding published information is not difficult—there is a wealth of
scholarly work. Rather, the challenge is to find the right information, and in the right order, allowing
the reader to quickly build a working knowledge of the most salient issues, findings, and areas of
ongoing research. For the newcomer to the scientific literature, this challenge is complicated by the
wealth of technical concepts and terms, and by the traditions inherent to the scientific method of
inquiry; whereas for the newcomer to the "law and policy" literature, the challenge is often in
reading between the lines —i.e., distinguishing between what is described in principle and what
occurs in reality.
This document is described as a guidebook since it is designed to lead readers into new subjects and
literatures, much as a traditional guidebook can ease a tourist, businessperson, or immigrant into a
new territory. Once you have established your bearings, you are encouraged to explore on your own,
in this case by using the source materials and conference presentations compiled on the conference
CD (following the event).'
1 Of course, many readers will find this guide too general and cursory to be of much value, and will recognize
the discussions as colored by the opinions and experiences of the author — problems endemic to all guidebooks.
For those of you, I suggest you skip it. But for the rest of you, this guidebook should provide the foundation
necessary to take full advantage of the conference materials and presentations.