Place-based Climate Change Communication and Engagement in Canada’s Provincial North: Lessons Learned from Climate Champions

Gislason, Maya; Galway, Lindsay P.; Buse, Chris G.; Parkes, Margot W.; Rees, Emily Rose

doi:10.1080/17524032.2020.1869576

Cited by 25 publications

(35 citation statements)

References 42 publications

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“…The concept is similar to the 'Model Farmer' networks established in India (Taylor and Bhasme 2018) where local producers showcase new knowledge and technology to other producers. 'Climate Champions' programs in Canada (Gislason et al 2021) and Australia (Department of Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry 2013) engage interested primary producer volunteers to work with scientists to further research and development. The Climate Mates program differs in that they are paid employees, and the program provides ongoing training and support from climate experts; however, similarly, it is envisaged that individual Climate Mates will continue to be an asset and an ongoing source of knowledge to their community…”

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confidence: 99%

Northern Australia Climate Program: supporting adaptation in rangeland grazing systems through more targeted climate forecasts, improved drought information and an innovative extension program

et al. 2021

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The Northern Australia Climate Program (NACP) is a fully integrated research, development and extension (RDandE) program operating across extensive pastoral regions of northern Australia. The NACP aims to improve existing climate models and forecast tools, develop new products to meet user needs and build the capacity of rangeland producers to manage the challenges posed by droughts (or failed wet seasons) and climate variability.Climate information gaps identified through earlier surveys of graziers and communities in rural and remote Australia informed the design of the research component of the NACP, which aims to address the low and variable accuracy of seasonal climate forecasts in many regions, the need for proof of value of forecasts and relevance of existing forecast systems and technologies, and perceived lack of effective support from climate experts for the use of climate resources and technologies in agricultural decision making. The development and extension components of the program aim to improve climate literacy and the use of climate information. Building on the research program, they deliver a climate service that provides local extension and technical support, with a focus on building trust in climate information through locally sourced, industry connected NACP trained and supported extension advisers called Climate Mates. Two-way information flow between decision makers and researchers, facilitated by the Climate Mates, ensures that forecasts and decision-and discussion-support tools developed through the program are regionally relevant and targeted to the needs of end users.Monitoring and evaluation of the program indicates that this approach is contributing to positive outcomes in terms of awareness and knowledge of climate forecasting and products, and their adoption and use in decision making (i.e. practice change). In the longer term, the Climate Mates have potential for enduring impact beyond the program, leaving a knowledgeable and trusted climate resource across regional northern Australia.

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confidence: 99%

Northern Australia Climate Program: supporting adaptation in rangeland grazing systems through more targeted climate forecasts, improved drought information and an innovative extension program

et al. 2021

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“…If the audience is not a scientific one, the language of 'experts,' or scientific language, can depersonalize the content (Ring, 2015), and make it difficult for audiences to connect with and interpret the material. This is not about 'dumbing' down information; rather, it is about valuing and accounting for the diverse backgrounds of different people (Gislason et al, 2021). Technical reports and policy briefs, such as those coming from the IPCC, can be difficult to understand (Sterman, 2011;Tàbara et al, 2017), which has often limited their use to academics and policy makers (Tàbara et al, 2017).…”

Section: Climate Change Communicationmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Having personally experienced a version of this onboarding presentation, I appreciated the use of historic and current photographs, Google Earth, and cross-references to a map on the wall of their office. Using narrative and metaphors to convey information is recognized in the literature as an effective method (Gislason et al, 2021;Ring, 2015). Using multiple mediums along with telling a story about the history of the Nechako Watershed not only makes content relatable, but also resonates with all the sub-themes of tailoring content for the audience, and underscores the idea that having different approaches to presenting data can lead to new conversations and perspectives on existing data.…”

Section: Findings In Relation To Research Questionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Findings about accessible language were presented in Section 4.2.3 with participants noting the need to avoid the use of jargon and to be as concise as possible. Numerous authors emphasize the importance of identifying the audience to adapt both the material and language for a specific audience (Chryst et al, 2018;Gislason et al, 2021;Ring, 2015). While technical jargon has uses, it can also be a significant barrier for individuals that are not a part of the discipline that creates the specific jargon to explain phenomena being studied.…”

Section: Findings In Relation To Research Questionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…However, presenting the information in an accessible manner has proven to be difficult and dependent on identifying the targeted audience (Gislason et al, 2021). These communication challenges are further exacerbated by the impacts that climate change asserts on global and local ecosystems, and in turn, human well-being (Charron, 2012;Parkes et al, 2010;Watts et al, 2015).…”

Section: Chapter One: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Exploring climate change, ecosystems and well-being connections: lessons learned from the application of a geospatial knowledge exchange tool in the Nechako watershed

Gothreau¹

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The Nechako Watershed is a large system in northern BC that exemplifies the challenge of integrating information across climate, environment and well-being. This research responded to this need with the goal of enhancing how information about the Nechako Watershed is communicated and shared. Informed by the development of a geospatial ‘portal’ tool in northern BC, this research sought to establish the Integrated Watershed Research Group (IWRG) Portal, gain insight on establishing accessible knowledge exchange strategies, and identify its perceived benefits and limitations. The research had two phases. Phase I involved working with a development team to understand this tool, testing, establishing the IWRG Portal, finding and formatting content. Phase II brought members of the Portal User Research Group together to further refine the IWRG Portal and content through scoping discussions, workshops, and a focus group. Thematic analysis was used to code and analyze the transcribed focus group. The research identified benefits of the portal with how it dealt with complexity and its integrative features. Limitations were also found, including the need for intentional framing of data, a steep learning curve, and the need for an internet connection. Analysis also identified the need to tailor content for specific audiences. The research has shown that tools such as the IWRG Portal can create new pathways to understanding and finding information. The research has also identified paths for further refinement and development of the portal tool by expanding the user base and continuing to evaluate the effectiveness of this tool in various contexts.

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River conversations: A confluence of lessons and emergence from the Taieri River and the Nechako River

Parkes

2021

River Research & Apps

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Drawing on ongoing patterns of learning and relationship, this paper offers a reflection and acknowledgement on the notable influence of two rivers and their role as respected and highly valued "eco-social elders": The Taieri River in Otago, New Zealand, and the Nechako River in northern British Columbia, Canada. The paper is motivated by the question: "If a river has 'voice', what can be learned from the emergence arising from rivers 'in conversation'?". At the heart of the reflection are the themes of confluence and emergence-ways in which we grasp the coming together of things, especially when that combination is more than the sum of their parts. The paper aims to explore a "conversation" between the river teachings of the Taieri River and the Nechako River, identifying examples of patterns and connections between distinct river "voices," and how these may contribute to emergence and ongoing conversations among different rivers and their teachings. The paper commences with an introduction to both rivers, identifying points of direct comparison and contrast, then moving to explore themes of confluence, weaving and emergence, combining ecological, metaphorical, and personal perspectives.The conversation then progresses downstream to river-ocean relationships, reflecting on rivers as eco-social elders that inspire conversations, provide a sense of home, and offer a point of reference to consider the wider influence on rivers and waterways on the health of diverse species within catchments and across the planet.

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Place-based Climate Change Communication and Engagement in Canada’s Provincial North: Lessons Learned from Climate Champions

Cited by 25 publications

References 42 publications

Northern Australia Climate Program: supporting adaptation in rangeland grazing systems through more targeted climate forecasts, improved drought information and an innovative extension program

Northern Australia Climate Program: supporting adaptation in rangeland grazing systems through more targeted climate forecasts, improved drought information and an innovative extension program

Exploring climate change, ecosystems and well-being connections: lessons learned from the application of a geospatial knowledge exchange tool in the Nechako watershed

River conversations: A confluence of lessons and emergence from the Taieri River and the Nechako River

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