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Abstract

Different time scales of climate change and their differential perception
in society are discussed. A historical examination of natural climate changes during
the past millennium suggests that short-term changes, especially crucial changes,
trigger a significant response in and by society. Short-term changes correspond to the
"time horizon of everyday life", that is, to a time scale from days and weeks to a few
years. The anticipated anthropogenic climate changes, however, are expected to occur
on a longer time scale. They require a response by society not on the basis of primary
experience but on the basis of scientifically constructed scenarios and ways in which
such information is represented in the modern media for example. Socio—economic
impact research relies on concepts that are based on the premise of perfectly informed
actors for the development of optimal adaptation strategies. In contrast to such a
conception, we develop the concept of a "social construct of climate" as decisive for
the public perception of scientific knowledge about climate and for public policy on
climate change. The concept is illustrated using a number of examples.