What makes a story—an ancient myth, a newspaper article, even a map—powerful enough to shape a culture? Dr. Benjamin Strauss asks this question every day in his role as CEO and Chief Scientist of Climate Central, a scientific research and news organization focused on hyperlocal, actionable climate communication. Why have cautionary tales of centuries ago, such as Noah’s flood and Gunyah’s spearing of the sacred fish, persisted through to the present? What can they teach us about how we humans shape our values, and how we can apply these learnings to an abstract threat like climate change today? How are we using AI and other technology to turn global datasets into localized action plans? And why is it misguided to place too much hope on achieving specific outcomes?

Our conversation with Dr. Strauss sheds light on the Surging Seas project’s revelations, achieved using advanced neural networks to create accurate global coastal maps that identify at-risk populations who can be prioritized for local outreach and action. We also explore the transformative power of visual storytelling through initiatives like Mapping Choices and the brand-new FloodVision, which offer interactive, photorealistic depictions of future sea levels and storm surges for local leaders to deploy in their planning and advocacy campaigns. We discover how data, technology, and visual storytelling can combine to serve as a catalyst for people to tell their own stories and make meaningful change where it matters most: close to home.

This episode is essential for anyone passionate about bridging the gaps between climate science, public understanding, and effective action.