This congress focuses on providing a synthesis of existing and emerging scientific knowledge necessary in order to make intelligent societal decisions concerning application of mitigation and adaptation strategies in response to climate change.

The congress aims to identify and synthesise the science, technology and policy advances required in order to ensure sustainability of global communities in the face of climate change in the current and coming decades.

The congress contributes to the preparation of the UN Climate Change Conference (COP15) in December 2009. A report of the main findings of the congress will be included in the official material for UN Climate Change Conference participants.

The major findings/conclusions from Climate Change: Global Risks, Challenges and Decisions will be included in the official material to be provided to COP-15 Climate Summit participants. Thus this meeting provides a vehicle for passing emerging knowledge relevant for responding to the challenge of climate change on to participants at the COP Summit. You are, therefore, encouraged to arrange presentation of a summary of the major findings/conclusions from your meeting at this meeting.