Improving communities through the integration of science, art and engagement

Editors' Highlights provide summaries of recent articles by AGU journal editors. Science plays a key role in identifying emerging hazards that may affect communities. These hazards range from the long-term effects of climate change to localized problems such as sinkholes. Science also offers insights and predictive potential to help communities prepare for and address these challenges.

The CREATE Resilience project, led by the Nurture Nature Center in Easton, Pennsylvania, has shown how communities can become more resilient. The project involved engaging with people of all ages, creating public murals and providing information in a community booklet. Projects like CREATE Resilience demonstrate the importance of community engagement and preparedness to face hazards.

Innovative initiatives like CREATE Resilience can serve as models for building community resilience. It is necessary to recognize the importance of long-term preparedness and support beyond short-term interventions. Understanding the impact on different stakeholders is key to creating a ripple effect that strengthens community resilience.

A study by Semmens et al. [2023] titled CREATE RESILIENCE THROUGH SCIENCE, ART AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT details the CREATE Resilience project. The project's success highlights the power of combining science, art and community engagement to build resilience. Overall, projects like CREATE Resilience demonstrate the potential for collaboration and creativity in addressing community challenges.

It is important to continue to support and promote initiatives that build community resilience and preparedness for future hazards. A combination of scientific insights, community engagement and creative approaches can lead to sustainable solutions for communities facing a variety of challenges.