Extreme weather & social connectedness community study - helping communities prepare for extreme weather events

This research project investigates and develops interventions to bolster social connectedness in Boston-area communities most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. It aims to address questions including: How "socially-connected" do people feel within these vulnerable communities? What factors or mechanisms serve to strengthen (or weaken) social connectedness?

This study's findings include:

• There is a lack of awareness of extreme weather resources and further outreach by organizations is critical to ensuring that these resources are shared. 
• Along with formal support systems, informal support systems such as neighbourhoods, church communities, and workplace environments are also of importance.
• Social connectedness can also be fostered through work such as holding community events and educational workshops, overcoming divisions and bringing communities together to fight for the future and safety of one another.
• Additionally, there are opportunities around educating community members about skills, tools, and opportunities to think broadly/systematically “around” climate change and social resilience.