Eunomia’s report for the Environment Agency reviewed evidence for the most effective ways to communicate about the risk of flooding and coastal erosion. As climate change brings more frequent flooding to the UK and intensifies coastal erosion, effective communication strategies are essential to raise public awareness, foster understanding, and encourage proactive responses.
The study reviewed academic and practitioner evidence and integrated insights from the Environment Agency, and other experts in government, academia, and practice, to understand the connections between awareness, understanding, and action. It also reviewed the evidence for what types of communication and information – particularly about longer-term climate risks – can best increase understanding and support action for building resilience.
The research found that social and psychological processes work in combination to help people process information about risks and the implications for action. It identified ways to improve current methods of communication to enhance understanding and encourage action. These include providing clear, open information about the science, understanding values and emotions, tailoring information to audience needs, and engaging in multi-way conversations. The study also produced recommendations on good practice for both one- and two-way communication.
The 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.
