Emerging Understanding
Climate Change and Water Governance Challenges in the Great Lakes Region: The Value of Baseline Knowledge and Indicators for Resilience Responses View Digital Media
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session Carolyn Johns, Amanda Shankland
As one of North America's most significant transboundary water regions, the Great Lakes face significant climate-related water challenges at various scales. This paper provides a historical and current overview of the climate change and water governance challenges in the Lake Ontario region, outlines the climate and water changes anticipated by climate scientists, and focuses on how community-based responses can improve governance frameworks for building climate change readiness and resilience. An adapted version of the Baseline Resilience Indicators for Communities (BRIC) framework is used, including a broader range of environmental, political and social factors and both quantitative and qualitative data at the regional and community scales to outline the significance of baseline research related to resilience challenges and responses. The paper uses the Lake Ontario region as an illustrative case study of the need to integrate technical, political and social dimensions at various scales to address challenges at the climate change and water change interface. The paper outlines how this modified framework provides a foundation for understanding how baseline research, inclusive knowledge generation, and community engagement can enhance governance and policy transformations.
Assessing Climate Vulnerabilities in the Western Upper Peninsula: Ecosystem Impact, Social Vulnerabilities and Policy Responses View Digital Media
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session Mercedes Asamani
The Western Upper Peninsula (WUP) of Michigan is one of the places in the world currently experiencing the impacts of climate change. This study uses a systematic content analysis of secondary data sources, such as scholarly publications, official reports, and climate projections, to investigate the WUP's vulnerability to climate impacts. The paper evaluates several sectors, including ecosystems, public health, and infrastructure, to identify critical risk areas and investigate how these vulnerabilities relate to social and economic issues. The findings reveal the variety of climate threats that the WUP faces, especially regarding public health, energy systems, and resilient infrastructure. The socioeconomic vulnerabilities of the area, such as an aging population and a dependence on extractive industries, further exacerbate the problems brought on by climate change. The study recommends that regional adaptation strategies incorporate renewable energy transitions, sustainable development practices, and active community engagement to address these vulnerabilities.
Response of Rural Farmers to the Effects of Climate Change in Cross River State Nigeria View Digital Media
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session Friday Ogar Idiku
The purpose of this study was to ascertain the response of rural farmers to the effects of climate change in Cross River State, Nigeria. The specific objectives were to describe the socioeconomic characteristics of farmers, examine the level of awareness of climate change among rural farmers, identify the primary sources of information on climate change for rural farmers, evaluate the perceived effects of climate change on agricultural practices; explore the coping strategies employed by rural farmers in response to the impacts of climate change and identify the constraints faced by rural farmers in implementing coping strategies. The research adopted a survey design and 215 respondents were randomly selected for the study. Data obtained was analyzed using descriptive statistics. The findings reveal that 28.8% of the respondents were between the age bracket of 51-60 years, 50.2% were females, majority 51.2% had secondary education with 73.5% having no access to extension services. It was also revealed that 86.0% are aware of climate change and indicated that radio 20% was their major source of information, while perceived critical effects of climate change include cost of food crops increases x ̅ =4.79 followed by decrease in soil fertility x ̅ = 4.72 and early weeding 214, mixed cropping 212 were coping strategies as lack of knowledge about appropriate adaptation (n=200) was a major constraint. Empowerment of rural farmers to better manage the impacts of climate change and secure their livelihoods for future generations is essential for sustainable agricultural development.
