The precautionary principle, which calls for extra prudence in areas of scientific uncertainty, also applies.

ECONOMIST: How big science might fix climate change

Scientific uncertainty, of course, is not necessarily an excuse for inaction.

ECONOMIST: The environment

So, it seems, the scientific uncertainty generated by not having good data from the mid-20th century is going to be repeated in the early 21st century (satellites may help on optical depth, but it would really help to know what is being emitted).

FORBES: Climategate II: An Open Letter to the Director of the National Center for Atmospheric Research

In its 120 pages, Weathering Uncertainty references 280 publications from the scientific literature (peer-reviewed and grey) and covers themes at the core of the Fifth AR such as foundations for decision-making on indigenous knowledge, traditional livelihoods, vulnerability, resilience, and adaptation policy and planning.

UNESCO: Communication and Information

Geoengineering the climate is an option that is now gaining scientific, policy, and public attention but it involves considerable uncertainty and risk.

UNESCO: MEDIA SERVICES