Effective climate change adaptation planning requires the integration of diverse forms of knowledge – from local experiences to scientific projections of societal changes and their impacts on natural systems. However, it is often it happens that The volume, complexity and uncertainty of scientific information prevent stakeholders from taking decisive action. According to sources, the concept of the so-called. „"adaptation stories"“ (adaptation-stories), which combine quantitative estimates with qualitative experience.

Why stories?

Stories and storylines have long been used as tools for communicating scenarios because they facilitate understanding of environmental change. While global scenarios (e.g. SSP) provide a consistent worldwide framework, they tend to be too cumbersome to address impacts at the regional and local levels.

Adaptation stories serve as „"lentil"“, which guides the interpretation of data by emphasizing certain facts and leaving others in the background. Unlike purely scientific models, which suffer from a so-called "knowledge deficit", stories use the power of imagination. Their goal is not just to transmit facts, but to create „"truths"“, which resonates with the reader's everyday experience and situates climate change within the realm of personal agency.

Five steps to creating an adaptation story

Resources They propose a systematic approach to co-creating these stories with local experts and stakeholders, consisting of five main phases:

1. Common definition of significant impact: Identification of climate impacts that are key for the region (e.g. heat waves, floods).
2. Identification of driving factors: Identifying specific climatic and non-climatic factors (e.g. population aging) that are responsible for the impact.
3. Evaluation of adaptation measures: Analysis of existing or future steps that can mitigate negative impacts.
4. Characterization of response mechanisms: Determining causal links between impacts and resulting responses based on scientific data and experience.
5. Joint development of stories: The very act of writing a narrative that is grounded in scientific evidence, but presented in an accessible style.

Case study: Seinäjoki Hospital 2040

The approach was illustrated in the case of the renovation of the central hospital in Seinäjoki, Finland. The project „"Hospital 2040"“ aims to create a climate-resilient institution. One of the stories created followed the perspective of Saarni sisters in 2040.

The story describes a hot summer where, thanks to the implemented measures (automatic window shading, modern air conditioning and humidity control), the hospital remains a safe and comfortable place for both staff and patients, despite the increasing number of hospitalizations of elderly people with cardiovascular problems. This narrative helps planners imagine successful solutions instead of instilling fear of disaster.

Key characteristics of an effective story

For a story to be functional, it should meet several criteria:

• Human scale: Focusing on local issues and specific characters.
• Positive messages: Emphasizing solutions and opportunities instead of helplessness.
• Present tense: Using the present tense even when describing the future helps prevent underestimating future threats.
• The language of certainty: Avoiding excessive scientific uncertainty promotes confidence in the message.

In conclusion it can be said that well-crafted adaptation stories can empower local actors, serve as conversation starters and stimulate thinking about innovative solutions that might get lost in purely technical reports. JRi

The full study was published in the journal sciencedirect.com