Fostering Climate Action and Resilience: Engaging the Local Community in a Living Lab

Authors

Erik Kralj
Science and Research Centre Koper, Mediterranean Institute for Environmental Studies
https://orcid.org/0009-0006-8622-6386
Cecil Meulenberg
Science and Research Centre Koper, Mediterranean Institute for Environmental Studies
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8778-3316
Peter Kumer
University of Maribor, Faculty of Arts, Department of Geography
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5923-9823

Synopsis

This chapter examines the role of climate change communication within the framework of the Coastal City Living Lab, focusing on the Slovenian coastal town of Piran as a pilot area under the Horizon 2020 SCORE project. The study emphasizes the significance of community engagement and participatory governance in enhancing climate resilience in coastal urban areas vulnerable to sea-level rise, storm surges, and heatwaves. Through the Living Lab methodology, local stakeholders co-create adaptive solutions while communication strategies bridge scientific knowledge with public understanding. Key activities include knowledge transfer, capacity building, and consensus-building efforts designed to address climate risks specific to Piran. This chapter highlights the importance of communication in fostering stakeholder collaboration and sustaining climate resilience initiatives beyond project lifecycles, underscoring the critical need for locally grounded, inclusive adaptation measures in the face of escalating climate challenges.

Author Biographies

Erik Kralj, Science and Research Centre Koper, Mediterranean Institute for Environmental Studies

Koper, Slovenia. E-mail: erik.kralj@zrs-kp.si

Cecil Meulenberg, Science and Research Centre Koper, Mediterranean Institute for Environmental Studies

Koper, Slovenia. E-mail: cecil.meulenberg@zrs-kp.si

Peter Kumer, University of Maribor, Faculty of Arts, Department of Geography

Maribor, Slovenia. E-mail: peter.kumer@um.si

Downloads

Pages

343-370

Published

July 4, 2025

License

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

How to Cite

Kralj, E., Meulenberg, C., & Kumer, P. (2025). Fostering Climate Action and Resilience: Engaging the Local Community in a Living Lab. In A. Lipavic Oštir, M. Larisa Fabčič, & D. Ivajnšič (Eds.), Komuniciranje okoljske krize (pp. 343-370). University of Maribor Press. https://press.um.si/index.php/ump/catalog/book/964/chapter/663