Advancing a hyperlocal approach to community engagement in climate adaptation: Results from a South Florida pilot study in two communities

Abstract

With increasing urgency of local and regional climate adaptation, there is a growing need for governments to identify and respond effectively to the concerns of communities they serve and to align investments. We designed and piloted a novel hyperlocal method for urban adaptation planning combining two social science tools that have been widely but separately used to foster community engagement and strategize solutions. Our not-for-profit community partners facilitated multi-session online workshops with participants from two communities in South Florida with whom they have well-established relationships and in which socio-economic conditions and climate risks represent notable vulnerabilities. The workshops first employed photovoice to elicit individual narratives about climate change impacts; participants then followed a design thinking protocol to critically evaluate the leading concerns they identified and propose adaptation solutions. Geospatial mapping and data tools were provided for participants to gain additional tools and further knowledge. Local planning and resilience officials attended some or all of the workshops as observers and interlocutors, dialoguing with participants. Comparative analysis revealed differences in risk awareness and primary concerns between communities, and further demonstrated that concerns and solutions proposed by members of at-risk neighborhoods do not always align with geospatial data that often drives infrastructure adaptation planning in the region, suggesting that more widespread use of community engaged methods could enhance government climate adaptation responses for local communities.

Cap. 18: Interacciones sectoriales, factores de estrés múltiples y sistemas complejos. En: La Quinta Evaluación Nacional del Clima.

“…Estos principios rectores crean señales claras para diseñar y actualizar el proceso de planificación colaborativa. En segundo lugar, los talleres comunitarios y las redes de investigación y práctica han apoyado el uso de información física y socioeconómica y de diversos conocimientos para explorar las estrategias de respuesta preferidas a nivel local con el apoyo de socios estatales y federales, como conversión de pozos sépticos en alcantarillado, ampliación de zonas verdes y mejora de las viviendas 174,178,179 . Se están utilizando datos granulares y transparentes para comprender la distribución de los impactos climáticos y políticos, como la exposición a las inundaciones y al calor en las comunidades, así como para comprender las características de los edificios, los hogares y los vecindarios que determinan los impactos en las familias.…”

Effects of Climate Change on Environmental Health in the Jakarta Metropolitan Area

“…The desire to increase government involvement suggests a recognition of the need for systemic change and policy intervention [33]. Policymakers should consider input from the public when formulating policies that are resilient to climate change to ensure that they are aligned with the needs and priorities of the population [34].…”