Biometeorology has a long tradition in the biophysical sciences, and has for sometime focused on what are essentially reductionist questions in its various subfields, with less thought given by its practioners to the relevance of its science to society at large. Biometeorologists have begun to reflect upon the utility of their science, as society has demanded greater accountability on the societal value of their outputs. In particular, questions such as how can an understanding of the relationships between the atmosphere and biophysical systems provide insights into how environmental and social well-being can be sustained or improved have become important in the face of significant environmental changes. This is because it is more than apparent that the environment is subject to increasing pressures from society, and many human activities are sensitive to variation and change in environmental conditions. Accordingly, there has been critical reflection in the field of biometeorology, an outcome of which has been an unashamed push to be more applied in its orientation while not neglecting a strong engagement with its theoretical base.
Over the last few decades the subfields of biometeorology have accumulated a vast body of knowledge about the interactions between the atmosphere and biophysical systems; much of which has been published in the International Society of Biometeorology's International Journal of Biometeorology. That knowledge has formed a firm foundation for gaining insights into how human-induced climate change might impact biophysical systems and thus human activi-ties dependent on the ecosystem services provided by those systems. Although not explicit in its knowledge base, a theme that runs through biometeorology is that of adaptation, the process by which living organisms adjust to variable and changing environmental conditions. Climate change, including shifts in the mean climate as well as variability and extremes, will pose series challenges for human and biophysical systems. In many ways, the degree to which humans can sustain their relationship with climate, as one aspect of the environment, will depend on the ability of societies to adapt to the changing conditions associated with climate change.