Across the Gulf Coast, connecting climate science to everyday decisions remains a challenge, especially when discussing the improvement of community resilience awareness. To bridge this gap in young adults, a series of immersive escape room activities were developed to translate complex topics, such as sea-level rise, extreme weather preparedness, and the role of nature-based solutions into accessible, place-based learning experiences. Rooted in Gulf Coast ecosystems and hazards, each activity works to engage young adult participants in problem solving scenarios inspired by real world environmental challenges, prompting them to think critically about local impacts and adaptation strategies.

Through this integrative approach, place-based outreach not only highlights the Gulf’s unique environment but also meets community members where they are. By transforming scientific data, historical trends, and projections into interactive narratives, participants explore how rising seas, coastal erosion, and storm events affect both ecosystems and infrastructure and how marsh restoration, green infrastructure, and evacuation planning can mitigate these risks.

Beyond awareness-building, the escape room model fosters meaningful dialogue between scientists and young adults, translating research into community action. Participants leave with an improved understanding of climate drivers and practical steps for preparedness while researchers gain insights into community perceptions and communication gaps. Lessons learned from these events highlight the importance of meeting audiences where they are (socially, geographically, and emotionally) and providing messaging that supports informed decision making. This project demonstrates creative, science-based engagement tools that can transform abstract climate projections into tangible community conversations across the Gulf region.