Addressing Climate Equity Through Community Engagement on Virginia’s Eastern Shore

Abstract

The Eastern Shore of Virginia (ESVA) is experiencing severe climate impacts, including sea-level rise, flooding, and groundwater salinization, which disproportionately affect its rural, resource-dependent, and underserved communities. The ESVA Climate Equity Project, funded by the National Science Foundation’s Coastlines and People (CoPe) program, employs a participatory framework that integrates local knowledge with scientific modelling to co-develop a climate adaptation decision-support tool. Through community workshops, stakeholder interviews, and the guidance of a diverse Community Advisory Committee, the project fosters inclusive engagement, deepens local understanding of climate risks, and strengthens collective capacity. Findings highlight the importance of addressing structural barriers, investing in civic infrastructure, and embedding local priorities into adaptation strategies. The article offers practical lessons and policy recommendations for equitable climate resilience planning in similarly at-risk coastal communities.