Putting the Community in Community Science: Lessons Learned from Sea Grant King Tides Projects

Abstract

Scientific research has deepened our understanding of coastal hazards by providing projections for future rates of sea level rise, coastal erosion, and coastal inundation. Despite these gains, sea level rise risks continue to be perceived by many as both temporally and spatially distant. Community science projects across the Sea Grant network that engage volunteers in documenting king tides play an important role in making information on climate change and coastal hazard topics more accessible, relevant, and relatable. Sea Grant’s unique model of extension, communication, education, and research serves as a critical resource to scientists, decision-makers, and communities in advancing sea level rise adaptation through community science. We assess Sea Grant project impacts, lessons learned, needs, challenges, and future directions for using a community science approach to increase climate literacy and facilitate discussion on sea level rise adaptation.