EAG criticises key action on global change, climate and biodiversity
The key action "Global change, Climate and Biodiversity" neglects a number of areas, according to the external advisory group (EAG), set up to advise the European Commission on the content and orientation of the programme. The EAG is positive about the area of the work programme relating to better understanding of the ecosystem, describing this as a promising part of the work programme, but the key actions on climate and biodiversity need to be addressed in a more balanced manner, according to the report. It says further analysis of global issues is needed, even though the programme is intended to focus on Europe. This, the EAG says, will secure access to important data and knowledge from outside Europe, which is needed to integrate research. The EAG also recommends more basic research, besides specific problem-oriented research, to be better prepared for unexpected events. It is therefore encouraging adaptation of the work programme to address new policy questions, as well as proactive approaches to ensure that the EU 's policies are compatible with those of the rest of the world. The EAG also stresses the importance of a data policy to improve the availability of data and highlights the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in this field. This, it says, will help to improve current understanding of the processes involved in global changes in the environment. More attention should be paid to understanding basic environmental processes, according to the EAG, and the programme should focus not only on climate change, but also on improving the basic understanding of the climate itself through studies of long-term processes. The EAG does, however, support the socio-economic component of the programme in its aim to enhance public and private partnerships and participation of multisectoral interests. But, it believes that the approach of the Fifth Framework Programme, with respect to the aim of integrating multidisciplinary research and socio-economic issues, poses a major challenge in the complex area of global change, climate, and biodiversity. In conclusion, the EAG suggests priority areas for research in 1999 and emphasises the importance of coordination to share data with other Community key actions and programmes.