Illustrating change: a natural history illustration practice-based and qualitative autoethnographic study of climate change and the biodiversity of the estuaries and coastal lagoon catchment areas of the Central Coast, New South Wales

Climate change, often described as a ‘wicked problem’ demands enhanced understanding and contextualisation of its intricate impacts on ecosystem, biodiversity and human societies. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) (2023, p. 3) underscore this critical need. Research including that by Galafassi (2018) and Doll and Wright (2019) highlight the significant role of visual and narrative arts in engaging audiences, facilitating emotional, and cognitive reactions that can inspire transformative thinking and action.

Local climate change information and initiatives have been recognised for their potential to engage communities more effectively than broad global narratives. However, a report by the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage points out that our understanding of climate change impacts on NSW estuaries is still lacking.

It aims to deepen the exploration and contextualisation of climate change effects specifically within the estuarine and coastal lagoon ecosystems of the Central Coast of NSW, highlighting both the biodiversity and the potential climate impacts on this locale. The intended audience for this thesis includes NHI practitioners and researchers with the possibility of emerging audiences engaging through the research enquiry.