Public Awareness & Engagement
Communications intended to engage and educate the public on climate change can pose a challenge as its impacts are difficult to identify day-to-day and climate events are often complex and multifactorial. Consequently, responding to these issues is fraught with uncertainty and is often viewed as less relevant on an individual level. Perceptions of the importance of climate change and ecosystem disruption are often diminished as shorter-term priorities supersede a focus on concerns about our environment.38
To date, severe climate-related hazards and impacts have been less pronounced in Canada than other parts of the world and consequently, concerns about the impacts of climate change may seem largely theoretical. These perceptions may not lead to the level of commitment to prevention, mitigation, and adaptation activities required. In order to shift perspectives, researchers are emphasizing a ‘gain’ based model that may produce a more positive attitude towards climate action in communities.39 The gain-based model focuses on developing action plans to mitigate and adapt to climate change rather than primarily highlighting its negative impacts. This model is beneficial as it is solution focused.
Dr. Alan Ruddiman shares how he is able to stay optimistic while facing the increased challenges of climate change (5:19)
Approaches to climate change policy should be well-informed and solution-based to produce more positive attitudes towards climate action and provide a hopeful path forward
It is imperative that the local impact of climate change is recognized in order for mitigation and adaptation strategies to be prioritized. Ensuring that these preparations are made in a timely manner will allow for a more nimble and resilient response to local ecosystem change long-term. This includes anticipating the effects of future natural hazards on a community-level and assessing the local resources and assets available.
