Building bridges between experts and the public: a comparison of two-way communication formats for flooding and air pollution risk

Abstract

Abstract. Urban centres worldwide are adversely affected by flooding and air pollution.\nBetter-prepared citizens are crucial to limiting the impacts of these\nhazards, and both lay knowledge and personal experiences are important in\ncomplementing and challenging expert opinion. For the first time, this study\noffers a critical comparison of how different two-way communication formats\nhave been used worldwide between experts and the public in relation to\nflooding and air pollution risk. Through a systematic review, we analyse\nsocial media, educational programmes, serious games, citizen science, and\nforums in terms of their effectiveness in respect of dealing with incidents,\nraising awareness, and promoting knowledge exchange in the context of\nflooding and air pollution risk. We find that there is neither a\none-size-fits-all nor superior format of communication. No single format is\neffective in fulfilling all three communication purposes. All five formats\nanalysed appear to be successful under different circumstances and are never\nsuitable for all segments of the population. Communication between experts and\nthe public is difficult and full of tensions; information alone is not\nenough. Our study shows different ways of incorporating strategies to build\ntrust between experts and the public and make communication more fun and\naccessible, breaking down hierarchies and creating safe spaces for\nco-creation where everyone feels empowered to participate and everyone benefits.