Co-production of climate services: A story map for future coastal flooding for the city of Flensburg

Abstract

Story maps offer the possibility to visualise scientific information and climate data in an accessible format and, as web-based tools, reach a large audience. However, the use of story maps in the context of climate services has not yet been widely explored or implemented. In this study we present a story map for communicating the potential impacts of flooding due to sea-level rise for the city of Flensburg, situated at the German Baltic Sea coast. The map is developed in the form of a web-based tool and includes background information on sea-level rise and coastal flooding as well as on coastal adaptation measures; interactive maps with information on city landmarks; and maps of future flooding scenarios based on numerical modelling. To increase the usability of the climate service we have applied a co-production approach and collaborated with the general public to identify user needs in an iterative process. Our study highlights the user needs for detailed visualisation of potential flooding due to sea-level rise as well as for further information on adaptation measures. As a climate service, our story map serves as a starting point for raising awareness among the general public and for initiating action for adaptation to reduce vulnerability to coastal flooding in Flensburg.