Community Engagement for Environmental Literacy, Improved Resilience, and Decision-Making
An informed, engaged public is essential for increasing community resilience to climate and weather-related hazards like drought, extreme heat, extreme precipitation, and sea level rise. Engaging citizens on issues that are important to them helps researchers and policymakers to develop strategies that effectively address real-world concerns. For the public, learning about scientific processes and uncertainty, along with improved knowledge about measures that can reduce vulnerabilities to hazards, helps make them more involved in and supportive of robust resiliency measures.
This series of 8 forums will allow groups of everyday people to learn about, deliberate on, and have a voice in resiliency strategies being considered in their communities. These forums will be hosted by regional science centers and developed in collaboration with local experts, decision-makers, and NOAA experts. The forums will create a new and replicable model for learning and engagement. They will identify and clarify citizen values and perspectives while creating stakeholder networks in support of local resilience measures.
Participate
Museum of Science, Boston
Sunday, June 11, 2017
Participants explored potential vulnerabilities arising from sea level rise and extreme precipitation, discussed potential strategies for addressing these threats, and made recommendations for increasing Boston’s community resilience.
Arizona Science Center
Saturday, September 16, 2017
Participants explored potential vulnerabilities arising from drought and heat wave events, discuss potential strategies for addressing these hazards; and made recommendations for increasing Phoenix’s community resilience.
The Bishop Museum, Hawaii
Sunday, March 11, 2018
Participants will explore potential vulnerabilities arising from sea level rise and extreme precipitation, discuss potential strategies for addressing these threats, and make recommendations for increasing Honolulu’s community resilience.
The Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center, Alabama
Saturday, April 14, 2018
Participants will explore potential vulnerabilities arising from sea level rise and extreme precipitation, discuss potential strategies for addressing these threats, and make recommendations for increasing Mobile’s community resilience.
Science Museum of Minnesota
Saturday, May 12, 2018
Participants will explore potential vulnerabilities arising from extreme precipitation and heat waves, discuss potential strategies for addressing these threats, and make recommendations for increasing Saint Paul’s community resilience.
Chabot Space & Science Center
Saturday, May 19, 2018
Participants will explore potential vulnerabilities arising from sea level rise and drought, discuss potential strategies for addressing these threats, and make recommendations for increasing Oakland’s community resilience.
Museum of Life and Science
Saturday, May 19, 2018
Participants will explore potential vulnerabilities arising from sea level rise and drought, discuss potential strategies for addressing these threats, and make recommendations for increasing Durham’s community resilience.
Oregon Museum of Science and Industry
Saturday, May 26, 2018
Participants will explore potential vulnerabilities arising from heat waves and extreme precipitation, discuss potential strategies for addressing these threats, and make recommendations for increasing Portland’s community resilience.
The Science Center Public Forums: Community Engagement for Environmental Literacy, Improved Resilience, and Decision-Making project is supported by award# NA15SEC0080005 by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Environmental Literacy Program. The project is a multi-institution collaboration led by Arizona State University, the Museum of Science, and Northeastern University.
