Ripple effect

– Understanding the Link Between Biodiversity and Societal Safety

The attention towards the consequences of biodiversity loss is increasing, however, the direct safety related consequences to us as humans and society may not always be clear. While the visible consequences of nature loss can easily be seen, there are also important potential consequences for societal safety. For example, vegetation in valley sides are important barriers against landslides and avalanches and bogs are an important part of reducing consequences of flooding. As people are inclined to focus on the risks that they deem imminent or realistic it is also relevant to understand their perceptions regarding biodiversity and societal safety.

In this project, part of the public outreach program from the Gjærevollsenteret at NTNU, we aim to explore the people´s perceptions on the connection between biodiversity loss and societal safety. By presenting examples of event chains, such as how biodiversity loss can lead to natural hazards like landslides, flooding, and fires, we seek to answer questions such as:

• How do people feel about biodiversity loss? 

• How do they perceive societal safety? 

• Do they connect the two?

In collaboration with an artist, we have planned a participatory workshop in December 2024 to be held at Rosendal Theater.