A Case Study of Climate Change, Extreme Weather Events, and Risk Communication in a Coastal Community

Tourism is the second largest industry globally and is an economic driver for businesses in coastal regions of the United States. A longitudinal case study with a single location design was used to explore the relationships between climate change, extreme events, and economic outcomes for a coastal business located in the southeastern U.S. that offers tent, recreational vehicle, and cabin camping. Findings demonstrate the impact of extreme precipitation and temperature on businesses and communities in the southeast climate region. This study provides a blueprint for evaluating complex climatic interactions and discusses risk communication implications for businesses and communities.