Showing papers by "Simon J. Cook published in 2019"
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24 Jan 2019TL;DR: In this article, a systematic review of how different two-way communication formats have been used worldwide between experts and the public in relation to flooding and air pollution risk is presented, showing that there is neither a one-size-fits-all nor superior format of communication.
Abstract: . Urban centres worldwide are adversely affected by flooding and air pollution.
Better-prepared citizens are crucial to limiting the impacts of these
hazards, and both lay knowledge and personal experiences are important in
complementing and challenging expert opinion. For the first time, this study
offers a critical comparison of how different two-way communication formats
have been used worldwide between experts and the public in relation to
flooding and air pollution risk. Through a systematic review, we analyse
social media, educational programmes, serious games, citizen science, and
forums in terms of their effectiveness in respect of dealing with incidents,
raising awareness, and promoting knowledge exchange in the context of
flooding and air pollution risk. We find that there is neither a
one-size-fits-all nor superior format of communication. No single format is
effective in fulfilling all three communication purposes. All five formats
analysed appear to be successful under different circumstances and are never
suitable for all segments of the population. Communication between experts and
the public is difficult and full of tensions; information alone is not
enough. Our study shows different ways of incorporating strategies to build
trust between experts and the public and make communication more fun and
accessible, breaking down hierarchies and creating safe spaces for
co-creation where everyone feels empowered to participate and everyone benefits.
8 citations