Scientific Uncertainty in Environmental Negotiations: The Responses of the Nongovernmental Sector

The negotiation of international environmental treaties and agreements takes place within a constantly shifting drama where issues of science, policy and politics arise and interact on a broad landscape. In general, environmental problems are rarely fully understood at the time political decisions must be made. International environmental negotiations often begin before conclusive scientific evidence is at hand. Additional research is required both during the initial negotiations as well as during the implementation phase where there is a need to continually review new scientific findings and implementation data and adjust the treaty accordingly. As a result of the scientific uncertainty that surrounds international environmental negotiations, participating governments often go in search of scientific knowledge and policy advice to help them shape their negotiating positions. Many government delegates often turn to the nongovernmental sector for such information.