The role of citizen science in enhancing local climate adaptation strategies

Abstract

As climate impacts grow in both intensity and frequency, the need for effective adaptation strategies is becoming increasingly urgent. Citizen science, known as public participation in scientific research, has emerged as a promising approach to inform climate adaptation decision-making and policy. By utilizing digital tools and bottom-up engagement, citizen science initiatives create opportunities for community members to contribute local knowledge, lived experiences, and place-based observations of climate change. This inclusive approach strengthens the relevance of data while also building awareness, trust, and engagement in adaptation efforts. By developing community-driven solutions, citizen science can lead to more context-specific and socially accepted outcomes. However, despite the potential, challenges remain. Issues related to data credibility, uneven power dynamics, and failure to fully address community needs can limit the effectiveness of these initiatives. Additionally, disciplinary constraints and limited governance capacity may restrict the integration of citizen-generated data into formal decision-making processes. This review emphasizes that although citizen science can play a valuable role in strengthening local climate adaptation efforts, its full potential depends on addressing key structural and institutional challenges.