Risk Communication and Perception of Climate Change and Adaptation in Northeastern North Carolina

This study addresses the critical need for the development of effective practices for communicating the risk of climate change and adaptation options in the areas of North Carolina most vulnerable to the effects of sea-level rise. Building on the findings of Kain, et al. (2010), the NC Sea Grant funded study ? Hurricane Risk Perception and Communication Effectiveness in Coastal Zones? and augmenting the NC Sea Grant Extension Project currently underway in Plymouth, ?Preparing for Climate Change: Helping Small Communities Develop Adaptive Strategies,? this study will use an innovative document evaluation method to assess sea-level rise risk communication. Our goal is to determine reader understanding of textual explanations and visual representations of sea-level rise risk, as well as perceptions and reactions to potential adaption responses. Outcomes from the project will include an assessment of audience knowledge, risk perception, policy preferences, and a document that has been designed using audience testing to effectively communicate sea-level rise risk in North Carolina.

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