The Role of Visual Communication in Community Participation on Developing A Climate Adaptation Plan

Abstract

Background and objective: Community participation or participatory planning are two terms used interchangeably that aim to incorporate community residents' opinions in the planning process to get the maximum benefit. This approach aims to gather stakeholders and engage them in a meaningful conversation to come to a decision representing the stake for everyone involved. This study focuses on the impacts of photorealistic visualization on community participation in the U.S. Great Lakes Region through a 5-year long (2017-2022) climate adaptation planning project conducted in Marquette County, Michigan, USA.Methods: Using the deliberation with analysis method of public participation, supported by visualizations, and followed by post-project surveys, the study explores how visualizations can improve in disseminating knowledge, bridging the gap of understanding among participants, enhancing engagement and delivering consistent approaches in the community decision-making process to come to a mutual ground of trust and common interest.Results: The study reveals that visualizations used at different phases of the community participation process increased participants' interest and engagement during the meeting, provided them with the necessary knowledge regarding climate change and its negative impact on health, and assisted them in decision-making and prioritizing design goals. The study also reveals that the visuals enhanced the project participants' engagement beyond the project's scope in future planning endeavors and increased their inclination towards climate and health adaptation planning.Conclusion: These findings will play a significant role in shaping the adaptive capacity in rural nonagricultural communities and strengthening the decision-making for similar areas dealing with climate change and its consequences.