Quaternary science, human and environmental history and public policy: some personal reflections and suggestions

Quaternarists often point to the likely policy relevance of their papers, usually without ideas for how their work could influence policy. I provide a set of personal experiences and reflections on how research influenced policy, or failed to do so, contextualized by an account of the nature of evidence–based policy making and on ways in which scientists can present themselves to policy makers. I conclude with suggestions for those who wish to influence policy.