Trust in Risk Communication: Local versus National Responses to Climate-related Risks in Longyearbyen-Svalbard

Abstract

This paper explores the complex relationship between local and national authorities in risk communication within Arctic communities, focusing on the town of Longyearbyen, Svalbard. Through an analysis of interview data, the study examines how inhabitants perceive and trust risk communication regarding climate-related risks such as avalanches, permafrost melting, and erosion. While local authorities are perceived as more trustworthy communicators, national authorities face significant scepticism. We argue that this scepticism stems from a perceived disconnect between national policymakers and the lived realities of Arctic life, leading to perceived conflicting messages and ineffective long-term climate related risk management. The study shows that local trust is reinforced by familiarity, transparency, and historical local knowledge, while national policies are often seen as rigid and lacking contextual sensitivity. The findings show that a more integrated communication strategy would bridge the gap between local and national authorities and emphasize the need for collaborative, context-specific approaches to enhance community resilience in the face of escalating climate-related risks. This study contributes to understanding how trust shapes the effectiveness of risk communication in remote and vulnerable regions like the Arctic.