Potential of Rapid Evidence Synthesis for Environmental Action

26>26 Jun. 2025
THE PROGRAMME
Register before 26-06-2025 14:00

Rapid evidence synthesis can be defined as “a series of methods that adapts systematic review methods for shorter timelines than for a full systematic review” (ImpSciMethods.org). It can be flexibly delivered in the timeframes required by decision makers, and is policy oriented (Norman et al, 2022).

Rapid evidence synthesis has been widely and successfully used in healthcare, notably during the Covid-19 pandemic. Some organisations are also pioneering it for climate, as it can provide practical solutions and approaches based on scientific findings.

Background

The ‘triple planetary crisis’ refers to climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss (see United Nations Climate Change, 2022). It is a major societal challenge that requires, among others, a steep and consistent decrease in emissions that needs to start right now. The transition to environmental sustainability is also a major opportunity for the future wellbeing of our societies and economies.

Science plays a key role in environmental action, providing analyses of the current situation and trends, as well as practical solutions. These solutions need to be technologically feasible, competitive, and just. They must engage society as a whole and, importantly, be delivered at a pace that is commensurate with the speed of the change that is needed.

More efforts are needed to accelerate science–policy exchange in the field of the environment, as well as to increase the accessibility and practical impact of environmental science. Based on their previous work on science for policy, interdisciplinarity, and environmental sustainability, Science Europe and partners are now exploring how rapid evidence synthesis may represent a useful tool for accelerating innovation uptake in policy and practice.

Guiding Questions for the Webinar

  • What improvements are needed in the existing science-policy interfaces on climate, environmental pollution, and biodiversity?
  • What are potential use cases for rapid evidence synthesis (RES) in environmental science?
  • Can RES effectively support evidence-based policy action on the environment, and if yes, what would be the prerequisites for its successful deployment?
  • What are the lessons learned from other fields in which RES has been used?
  • What are the next possible steps for decision makers, research organisations and other stakeholders?

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