A behavioural science approach for evaluating communications about climate related risks and uncertainties
PI: Wandi Bruine de Bruin (Leeds University Business School, University of Leeds)
CIs: Suraje Dessai, Piers Forster, Andrea Taylor, and Astrid Kause (Sustainability Research Institute, School of Earth and Environment, and Priestley International Centre for Climate, University of Leeds). Adrian Hines, Jason Lowe, and Fai Fung (Applied Climate Science, Met Office).
Project Overview: In the UK, the greatest threats from climate change include heavy rainfall and flooding. Flood damage to UK businesses and communities cost as much as £1 billion per year. Yet, preparedness for climate change seems low among stakeholders from industry and government organisations. One reason could be that communications about climate change projections and associated uncertainty are too complex. They include data visualisations or graphs that do not appear to be designed for individuals without a background in climate science. Therefore, we will conduct interviews in which end users from industry and government will be asked to view commonly used climate data visualisations. For each, we will identify variations in interpretations, potential misunderstandings, and suggestions for improvement. Hence, our findings will help to improve communications about climate projections to end users. Our project builds on a multi-disciplinary collaboration between the University of Leeds and climate service providers at the UK Met Office.