Three trustworthy open access publications on climate change related subjects

In recent years, open access information resources has grown to unprecedented levels. The ease to publish in electronic media facilitates scientific dissemination and reduces production costs. We can find open access electronic journals on almost any subject — from the economy to health issues. However, although it is important to recognize the fact that these publications provide information that would not be accessible otherwise, it is also important to establish certain criteria for identifying publications that are of scientific value.

Climate change is one of the issues of the day; its effect is undeniable in the lives of the citizens of Latin America, as evidenced bya recent survey by the IDB. Therefore, to understand the subject accurately and appropriately react to this phenomenon, it is important to have access to information resources whose content is validated by experts on the subject. There is no doubt that we will feel the effects of this phenomenon sooner or later— just ask the survivors of floods, or farmers who deal with the effects of drought on their agricultural production— so we might as well cultivate an educated opinion on this reality. Thanks to a group of academics reacting to climate change by disseminating the results of their research publications for free, we now have access to scientific publications that would be otherwise de inaccessible in printed form, for economic reasons.

In this post we present three of these publications:

Aims to disseminate scientific knowledge on practical experiences related to climate risk, and the use thereof in the processes of decision making. In other words, recognizes climate risk as a multidisciplinary process of integrating knowledge related events, trends and climate projections to increase profits and / or reduce environmental and social damage. This publication comes as a response to the recommendations of integrating risk analysis in planning public policy by international bodies such as the IPCC. To access the first issues of this publication see Climate Risk Management.

With an international editorial board composed of renowned scholars from different continents, this publication is aimed at both policy makers as members of civil society. The articles cover topics ranging from agriculture and risk management practices to community adaptation to natural disasters. The publication was established during the second half of 2013. Some of the items of the latest issue presented cases from countries in Latin America, as in the cases of Mexico and Brazil and their national policy on drought management. To read the latest issue of the magazine visit Weather and Climate Extremes.

Edited by academics from universities in the UK, this publication provides both purely theoretical studies and empirical research related to development planning and urban areas. It has a global perspective, presenting studies from South Africa to Canada or the United States. The issue of urban planning is essential when it comes to climate change, given that the vast majority of the population lives in cities. To access the articles in this publication see: Urban, Planning and Transport Research

Dealing with the impacts of a changing climate requires making informed decisions, or at least knowing what are the scientific basis used by decision makers. Receiving expert information at no cost is an advantage that can not go to waste. Open access to scientific publications is an asset that we should value.

• Also, you can access here all the IDB publications on climate change. 
• Follow them on Twitter: @BIDCambioClima