Forskning til samfunnsnytte

Overview & Synopsis

The societal importance of meteorology is increasing—not only because of weather forecasts, but also due to the energy transition and adaptation to climate change. Harvesting energy from fossil reserves underground must be replaced by wind, solar, and hydropower on the Earth’s surface. This transition will require large land resources, and local meteorological conditions will at any time determine energy production. At the same time, the population is growing, and the consequences of climate development challenge societal stability. Through six articles, current and former staff at the Norwegian Meteorological Institute describe aspects of Norwegian meteorological research from the 1960s onward, where the Institute has played an important role. This research can be characterized as “research for societal benefit.” In such research, observations and numerical modeling form the basis for developing or improving forecasts and specialized information about weather, climate, and environment. The experience gained through applications is further used in research. This is research for societal benefit in practice. The book is edited by Øystein Hov, Research Director at the Norwegian Meteorological Institute from 2004 to 2016.