This Brief discusses sciencepolicy interfaces (SPIs) in global environmental governance. Broadly speaking, SPIs can be understood as institutional arrangements that aim to bridge science and policy within a specific issue-area with a view to facilitating the solution of relevant societal problems. Although the scholarly literature on SPIs has grown substantially over the last two decades, there are still several myths and misconceptions about such bodies: these are often reflected in the practice of sciencepolicy bridging within international organizations such as the United Nations. Offering an accessible discussion of the promises and pitfalls of SPIs, the book deliberately targets a hybrid audience, reaching out to both academics and practitioners. By reconstructing relevant theoretical debates across different scholarly fields, such as International Relations and Science and Technology Studies, and by taking stock of key hands-on experiences, this Brief connects the theory and practice of global SPIs, reflecting on the role of critical social science research as far as the interplay between science and policy in international environmental governance is concerned. On the basis of a balanced analysis of the strengths and shortcomings of global SPIs, this volume intends to provide readers with a faithful picture of the current international sciencepolicy landscape as well as with an informed opportunity to evaluate these institutional arrangements' potential for helping to address the global environmental challenges that the world is facing today.

Offers a critical overview of the relationship between science and policy in global environmental governance Provides a thorough assessment of the current challenges and opportunities of global SPIs Aims to stimulate a dialogue between academics and practitioners about the future of global SPIs

Autorentext

Matteo De Donà is a Postdoctoral Fellow at the Department of Political Science of Lund University (Sweden). He holds a PhD in Environmental Social Science from the University of Gothenburg. His main research fields of interest include the normative aspects and the power dynamics of global governance as well as the relation between science and policy in international organizations.

Klappentext

This Brief discusses science policy interfaces (SPIs) in global environmental governance. Broadly speaking, SPIs can be understood as institutional arrangements that aim to bridge science and policy within a specific issue-area with a view to facilitating the solution of relevant societal problems. Although the scholarly literature on SPIs has grown substantially over the last two decades, there are still several myths and misconceptions about such bodies: these are often reflected in the practice of science policy bridging within international organizations such as the United Nations. Offering an accessible discussion of the promises and pitfalls of SPIs, the book deliberately targets a hybrid audience, reaching out to both academics and practitioners. By reconstructing relevant theoretical debates across different scholarly fields, such as International Relations and Science and Technology Studies, and by taking stock of key hands-on experiences, this Brief connects the theory and practice of global SPIs, reflecting on the role of critical social science research as far as the interplay between science and policy in international environmental governance is concerned. On the basis of a balanced analysis of the strengths and shortcomings of global SPIs, this volume intends to provide readers with a faithful picture of the current international science policy landscape as well as with an informed opportunity to evaluate these institutional arrangements potential for helping to address the global environmental challenges that the world is facing today.

Inhalt

Introduction.- Theory: the relationship between science-policy in global environmental governance.- Science-policy interfaces (beyond myth and wishful thinking).- The practice of bridging science and policy.- SPIs between theory and practice: what way forward?.- Conclusion.