Publication Date
Fall 2024
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Environmental Studies
Advisor
Costanza Rampini; Alejandro Artiga-Purcell; Tiffany Wise-West
Abstract
Coastal cities face significant challenges from climate-induced coastal hazards. The City of Santa Cruz is a medium-sized municipality in Monterey Bay on California's Central Coast with over $1 billion worth of property and infrastructure at risk to climate-induced coastal hazards by 2100. However, city officials have noticed a lack of representation of climate-vulnerable communities in the development of various climate adaptation plans and policies. In order to remedy this problem, the City is experimenting with various climate change communication tools, such as virtual reality (VR), card games, murals, and comic books, in collaboration with different agencies. But limited understanding exists regarding the efficacy of these strategies. This project uses GIS analysis and surveys with community members to assess the effectiveness of art-based murals and storytelling comic books, in communicating climate and coastal risks and enhancing engagement from vulnerable community members in climate planning efforts. This research reveals that few ocean- and river-themed murals are located in the City’s most climate-vulnerable communities. Further, the results indicate that both murals and comic books have potential as non-traditional community outreach tools. This study also reveals differential awareness levels and sense of preparedness to cope with climate risks among Santa Cruz’s community members. In conclusion, the author offers recommendations for the City of Santa Cruz and other municipalities to help them develop and deploy climate change communication tools that foster strong community engagement, long-term visioning, and equity in climate adaptation efforts.
Recommended Citation
Ranabhat, Saara, "Assessing the Effectiveness of Non-traditional Climate Change Communication Tools in the City of Santa Cruz" (2024). Master's Theses. 5606.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.31979/etd.j4aq-mzbr
https://scholarworks.sjsu.edu/etd_theses/5606
