Frontiers in public health
Climate change communication, adaptation, and mitigation through the arts: a rapid scoping review
By Moula Z, Natsi M, Bahr E and 5 others.
Abstract
Introduction
Climate crisis is inherently intersectional; it is a health crisis and a cultural crisis too. Creative and innovative approaches are essential to address the complex and unequal health and wellbeing impacts of human induced climate change. This rapid scoping review aimed to review, synthesise, and analyse empirical studies that implemented arts-based interventions to promote climate change communication, adaptation, and mitigation.
Methods
We used the methodological framework for scoping reviews set out by Arksey and O'Malley and systematically searched five major electronic databases using the PRISMA reporting guidelines.
Results
Sixteen studies met the eligibility criteria and were included in this review. Programmes varied and included environmental art festivals, climate summits, ecological conferences, theater and open-air performances, exhibitions, musical events, fieldtrips, nature conservation and sustainability interventions. Most studies focused on climate change communication, using the arts to raise environmental awareness and translate public health messages more clearly and accessibly. Only four studies focused on climate change adaptation (e.g., arts for coping with climate emotions) and mitigation (e.g., arts for motivating cultural shifts towards low-carbon lifestyles and practices).