Communicating climate change information for flooding and coastal erosion
Source: gov.uk (2025-01-16)

This project explored effective ways to communicate climate change information about flooding and coastal erosion risks to the public.

Documents

FRS23249 Communicating climate change information for flooding and coastal erosion R1 (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/67dc3e59cb8c6838d74b5000/FRS23249_Communicating_climate_change_information_for_flooding_and_coastal_erosion_R1.pdf)

Summary of communicating climate change information for flooding and coastal erosion - slide pack (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/678a4f04d0561c11b91d058d/Summary_of_communicating_climate_change_information_for_flooding_and_coastal_erosion_-_slide_pack.pdf)

Summary

The aim of this research was to review literature on communicating climate change information related to flooding and coastal change. These insights should help risk management authorities create and communicate information effectively.

Background

Flooding and coastal erosion are increasing in frequency and intensity due to climate change. Effective communication is essential for raising public awareness, fostering understanding and promoting taking action to increase resilience.

Approach

The research consisted of an evidence review which was guided by 5 research questions.

What are the connections between awareness, understanding and action?

What types of communications will make it more likely for people to take action to increase resilience?

What are the characteristics of successful public communication and engagement strategies on climate change and flood and coastal risk information?

What are the information characteristics that help or hinder understanding?

How can scenarios best be used to communicate the potential future impacts of climate change?

Findings

The evidence review shows that social and psychological processes work together to help people make sense of climate change information. This influences people’s responses and actions.

Although the topic is complex, we identified areas that could be improved to promote individual and community understanding and actions related to the climate change impacts of flooding and coastal erosion.

These include:
- provide clear and open information about the science
- tailor information to different audience needs
- understand values and emotions related to climate change
- engage in multi-way conversations to help individuals take action
However, there are gaps in the evidence, including specific research on coastal erosion and understanding how different timescales may affect perceptions and actions.

Good practice suggestions

The report makes suggestions based on the research on how to effectively communicate with the public about climate change, flooding and coastal risk.

These include:
- accept that there is no generic version of ‘the public’ and understand the target audience
- make information engaging and accessible to a range of audiences
- make sure that those communicating information are trusted by the intended audience
- actively connect with people through participatory approaches
- use and present scenarios more effectively when talking to people about the future of their neighbourhood and uncertainty
Suggestions for further work include:
- develop everyday language to use in communications
- monitor and learn from ongoing climate change communications research
These suggestions are already starting to be addressed by the Environment Agency and other organisations.

Webinar

The project team held a webinar about the findings on 2 February 2025.

Webinar - Communicating climate change information for flooding and coastal erosion (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oaUO-G8S5t4)

Project information

Project manager: Kate Kipling

This project was commissioned by the Environment Agency’s FCRM Directorate, as part of the joint Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management Research and Development Programme.

A Welsh translation of the summary is also available. (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/67924eb923c34b0ef8fad604/FCRM_research_GOV.UK_summary_page_-_FRS23249_Welsh.pdf)