Pew Center on Global Climate Change

IN 1998, WITH a grant from the Pew Charitable Trusts, and within the context of increasing concern over the impact of climate change, the Pew Center on Global Climate Change was established. It is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, independent organization. The role of the Pew Center is to build a bank of credible [Page 787]information about climate change and its impacts, and to try to provide solutions to the problems created by climate change. The Pew Center aims to provide an objective forum for research, and development of sensible solutions and policy suggestions.

Underpinning this mission is the commitment by Pew Center staff to educate policymakers and the general community about the causes and consequences of climate change. In so doing, the Pew Center has commissioned many significant reports on the impacts of climate change in various contexts, including domestic and international policy, economic and environmental impacts, and practical solutions. For example, reports have focused on the relationship between developing and developed worlds in relation to climate change policies. Many reports highlight the effects of climate change on marine ecosystems. The Pew reports offer policymakers and the public the opportunity to access and learn about detailed case studies from across the world on this topic. The Pew Center also hosts conferences and workshops on climate-related topics to stimulate engagement and interaction between business, government, and nongovernmental organizations. Staff from the Pew Center also regularly participate and attend key meetings on climate change issues, such as negotiations on the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCC).

Within the policy center, staff at the Pew Center for Global Climate Change investigate how policies can be changed and developed within the areas of science and technology, market-based mechanisms, adaptation, international engagement, cross-sector policies, transportation, manufacturing agriculture, and energy production and use policies. Staff members also work within the United States at congressional and state levels to encourage policymakers, and politicians in these areas, to activate plans and legislate on climate change solutions and issues.