The variability of the Sun is well established, as well as that of the
Earth's climate. To what extent the two are connected, in the sense that
solar variability drives climate, is the subject of considerable
research and, in some cases, controversy. After an earlier workshop at
the International Space Science Institute (ISS!) on Solar Composition
and its Evolution, two ofthe participants came up with the idea to
initiate a similar project on the topic of Solar Variability and
Climate, a work- shop aimed at obtaining an overview of the current
knowledge of the variability of the Sun and of the Earth's Climate, and
of their possible connections. A further, equally important objective
was the strengthening of the interaction between the two, often diverse
communities of solar physicists and climatologists. ISSI took up this
idea and invited six convenors, E. Friis-Christensen, C. Froh- lich, J.
Haigh, J. Hansen, M. Schussler, and S. Solanki, who subsequently formu-
lated the aims and goals of the workshop, nominated a list of invitees,
drafted a programme of introductory talks, and structured the workshop
into three sections. For each section there was a concluding discussion
session moderated by two co- chairs. Moreover, there was a number of
contributed poster papers for which there were two viewing sessions. The
main intent of this format was to leave ample time for open, informal
discussions, which is one of the principal aims of ISSI.