Crumbling cliffs and intergenerational cohesivity: A new climate praxis model for engaged community action on accelerated coastal change

Abstract. Climate change is widely accepted as an existential threat that requires urgent action globally, regionally and locally. Despite the challenge there remains a lack of awareness among many in society regarding the scale of the environmental changes and projected impact(s) on lives and livelihoods. Despite climate change being a prominent topic in politics and activism, broader engagement with the climate crisis in sections of society, particularly in disadvantaged communities remains lower than across society as whole. Part of these issues relate to unequal access to information and limited resources in some communities, which together contributes to a knowledge gap. Moreover, disinformation campaigns, fake news, and biases in media further complicate understanding of the climate crisis across sections of society. Here we report on the INSECURE project, which had the aim to engage a disadvantaged coastal community that is very much on the front line of climate change. The engagement was advanced through creative methodologies and intergenerational dialogues to bridge the gap between climate science, knowledge and public understanding through innovative ways to educate and communicate the issues of climate change. By considering individuals' attitudes, beliefs, cultural backgrounds, and lived experiences, the project seeks to overcome misconceptions and confusion. The results show the importance of knowledge and how knowledge gaps can act as a barrier for individuals in engaging with the climate crisis. The results additionally highlight how employing new and creative communication approaches can empower a disadvantaged coastal community with the understanding necessary to address climate change within their local context(s) and thus ensure that communities can be better prepared and equipped to face the future impacts of climate change.