Effects of Static and Interactive Sea Level Rise Maps on Perceptions of Temporal Distance, Risk, and Support for Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies of Sea Level Rise
Open Access
Author:
Fachetti, Joseph
Graduate Program:
Spatial Data Science
Degree:
Master of Science
Document Type:
Master Thesis
Date of Defense:
February 29, 2024
Committee Members:
Fritz Connor Kessler, Thesis Advisor/Co-Advisor Manzhu Yu, Committee Member Anthony Robinson, Program Head/Chair
This thesis investigates the impacts of static versus interactive maps on perceptions of risk and temporal distance associated with projected sea level rise (SLR) in Boston, MA. It also examines the influence of these map viewing environments on support for policies and actions aimed at mitigating and adapting to SLR and climate change. A survey of 404 participants, recruited via Amazon’s Mechanical Turk platform, was conducted to assess changes in opinions and perceptions related to SLR and climate change before and after exposure to either static or interactive map viewing environments depicting SLR projections at Boston. The analysis indicates that there is no significant difference between the two environments in altering overall perceptions of risk or temporal distance related to SLR. However, specific demographic segments demonstrated a decrease in perceived risk of SLR following interaction with the interactive environment. Furthermore, engagement with the interactive environment was associated with increased support for policy measures to address SLR. These findings suggest that the effectiveness of map-based communication strategies may depend on the intended audience, emphasizing the need for tailored approaches in climate change communication.
