The growth of the partnership between the scientific community and intergovernmental organizations is outlined. Reference is made to the interactive nature of the relationship between climate and society and to the development of new methodologies of climate impact assessment to take account of this. It is emphasized that the essence of a disaster is the social disruption rather than the geophysical hazard which causes it. The importance of new approaches and new partnerships to solve the twin challenges of climate change and natural disasters is stressed. The conditions for a meaningful dialogue between partners from differing backgrounds is discussed.