Our common future under climate change

As the scientific community geared up for the 'Our Common Future Under Climate Change' conference in Paris (7-10 July 2015) we presented a series of articles reflecting on some of the key issues concerning climate change in the broader context of global change.  The Paris conference was seen as a final opportunity before COP21 in December to take stock of existing knowledge, and explore innovative solutions as part of preparing for a post-2015 climate governance structure. The highlighted blogs focus on three complex areas that were discussed at the event and beyond: cross cutting nature of water resources, the value of credible knowledge brokers to support decision making processes, and Africa's road map post- COP21.

• Countdown to COP21 in Paris: New expectations for Africa or the same old circus? Dr. Johnson Nkem discusses other possible development trajectories for Africa in response to climate change. 

• How can useful climate knowledge make an impact ahead of COP21? Amy Hall reflects on the recent Climate Knowledge Brokers (CKB) meeting and asks what role the group can play in the climate change arena and beyond. 

• Water resources and climate change: Uncertainties and crosscutting challenges of the 21st Century. Ramy Hanna reflects on the importance of integrating water resources issues in the climate change debate.