The role of knowledge maps in sub-national climate change policymaking and governance

Generating and disseminating specific climate change knowledge is critical for sub-national policymakers. It allows them to address regional particularities, balance mitigation and adaptation policies, and deliver transparent governance. In this paper, we show how knowledge maps can be used in this endeavour. We examined a case study in Galicia, a region in Spain with a recently approved climate change strategy, where physical, geographic and socio-economic features shape region-specific scientific knowledge. The practical methodology used in this study can be generalized to aid other sub-national governments in adapting their local actions to the general policy frameworks designed by national and international initiatives. Therefore, our work illustrates how sub-national policymakers and researchers can collaborate to identify and prioritize key knowledge areas to face the regional challenges posed by climate change. Furthermore, our work can uncover imbalances in the body of knowledge on mitigation and adaptation that could lead to biases in policymaking. Finally, we show how a knowledge map can guide policymakers in allocating public resources to support research in a meaningful and impactful way, depending on the demand for the research and the challenges stemming from climate change.Key policy insightsSub-national policymakers often lack the availability of specific and useful knowledge on climate change and its consequences.A widely accepted climate change knowledge framework is necessary because knowledge structure in scientific circles differs greatly from its conception in the political arena.The quality of sub-national governance influences the collaboration between policymakers and researchers and the efficiency of the knowledge system in targeting climate change challenges specifically linked to the region at stake.A knowledge mapping process, such as the one elaborated here can usefully engage decision-makers, researchers, and other stakeholders to advance evidence-based policies.