(ENV1b) Environmental Sociology II

This session invited papers applying sociological perspectives to the study of environmental issues, and environmental sociological analyses of societal issues. In the midst of a global social movement cohering around the climate crisis, political and socio-economic debates over extractive industries, and related policy discussions, there exists opportunities for sociologists to contribute to understandings of the environment as a social construct, a political entity, a physical place/space, a component of social structure, and more. Tags: Environment

Organizer: Ken Caine, University of Alberta; Chair: Ken Caine, University of Alberta

Presentations

Angeline Letourneau, University of Alberta

Temporalities of living with the climate crisis

One of the increasingly recognized impacts of climate change is the threats it poses to human well-being, but not all climate change impacts emerge in the same way or at the same time. Some climate-related events emerge abruptly, others occur slowly over time, and there are increasingly multiple impacts that occur concurrently and in different combinations to create compounding risks. Acute disasters like forest fires or hurricanes tend to occupy headlines and overshadow public conversation about climate change. However, disasters can also be chronic, occurring over longer timelines like melting permafrost, shifting vegetation and wildlife ranges, rising sea levels, or coastal erosion. The different temporalities of simultaneously occurring disasters complicate efforts to address their impacts through adaptation and mitigation. Furthermore, the mismatch and interaction between these multiple and complex temporalities of the biophysical and sociocultural worlds further perpetuates catastrophic environmental changes. The theoretical separation of biophysical and sociocultural time reflects more of the ontological and epistemological traditions of sociology than any real divide between the two in practice. The ontological conceptualization of time is intimately tied to the discipline’s ontological understanding of nature, which frequently sees the natural world as static and tangential to the social. Introducing our theoretical understanding of time back into nature is essential to fully understand the social causes and consequences of climate change and how these are related to natural temporal scales. Perceptions of day-to-day weather, severe acute events, or long-term climatic change have been the primary focus of social science research on climate change. Perceptions of events occurring on temporal scales between these two extremes (e.g. annual-to decadal-scale variability) are less understood. This reflects the dominance of a primarily sociocultural approach to conceptualizing time in sociology, a tradition that has yet to fully reconcile with the temporal scales of the biophysical world, where much change occurs between these two temporal extremes. This paper seeks to reconcile this gap between sociocultural and biophysical understandings of time. We extend the recent theoretical interventions by Coleen Ruwet and others on developing a socio-ecological theorization of time by examining the interplay of different temporalities and social understandings of addressing climate change and other ecological crises. We draw on insights from various studies of northern Canada and Atlantic Canada to develop a conceptual scheme of intersecting temporalities of climate change that can help guide further research and discussions about climate action. This paper advances new avenues through which climate change and its impacts on human well-being can be understood and better anticipated. By moving beyond our social tendency to ignore the full temporal complexity of Earth’s natural systems, we offer new strategies for climate change sociology that incorporate this complexity.

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Non-presenting author: Mark C.J. Stoddart, Memorial University

Rob Shields, University of Alberta

Terraforming Canada: the engineering of Eeyou Istchee

This paper reports 2 axes of research about Eeyou Istchee (Eastern James Bay). First, the scientific profiling of the natural environment which reflects institutional, commercial and instrumental forces that produce a cartogrpahy of resources and natural dispositions that repress lived experience, traditional and local knowledge to allow the region to be unilaterally opened up to global resource and energy economies. Second, the resulting terraforming of this planetary region through flooding, watershed management and river redirection on a complete and total scale without public consultation transgresses democratic norms. Although both the process and impacts are understudied in the above scientific literature, because it has been judged a commercial and political success in Quebec, the case of the James Bay region offers insights into the potential remaking of other environments.

Sarah Coker, McMaster University

Research Proposal: Inuit Identity, Self-Perception, Resilience, and Climate Change

Climate change, characterized by higher temperatures, extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and shifting rainfall patterns, poses significant challenges globally. Canada, due to its northern location, experiences climate change at twice the rate of the worlds average, with the Arctic warming at three times the global average. This research proposal focuses on the Inuit population in Canadas Arctic, where climate change threatens their cultural identity deeply connected to the cold and ice. The primary research question is to understand how climate change affects Inuit identity and self-perception, considering the integral role of the cold and ice in their cultural identity. The research aims to address the following objectives: Examine Inuit perceptions of climate change; Investigate the role of environmental changes in Inuit identity; Analyze the cultural and psychological significance of the ice and cold; Understand the resilience and adaptation strategies created by the Inuit. The research contributes to understanding the broader impact of environmental change on vulnerable populations, sheds light on how Inuit communities respond to challenges, informs policy decisions, and serves as an educational resource on the empirical evidence of climate changes impact on daily life and identity. Inuit Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) constitutes a cumulative body of wisdom, practice, and values passed down through generations, rooted in the intricate relationships among living beings and their environment (Pearce et al., 2015). TEK is a dynamic, fluid knowledge system shaped by social interactions, adapting to technology, weather changes, and new observations (Pearce et al., 2015). In the context of Inuit hunting, TEK is exemplified by using snowdrifts to navigate during whiteout conditions, showcasing the practical applications of this knowledge (Berkes and Jolly, 2002). Emphasizing TEK in the research is crucial to avoid "colonizing" Indigenous beliefs and opinions, as traditional academic approaches have often overlooked and marginalized Indigenous voices (Flaherty, 1995). Inuit vulnerabilities stem from various factors such as poverty, inequality, and a strong cultural connection to the changing environment (Ford et al., 2014). Climate change exacerbates these vulnerabilities, impacting Inuit health, traditional activities like hunting, and access to healthy foods. High living costs, disrupted land skills transmission to youth, and stress resulting from environmental changes contribute to negative well-being outcomes (Dowsley, 2015). Despite these challenges, Inuit resilience acts as a buffer, with survival skills, healthcare training, community-based initiatives, and a focus on traditional ecological knowledge helping communities adapt (Ford et al., 2014). Cultural identity is fundamental to Inuit self-perception, shaped by an intimate connection with the land, water, and ice (Downing and Cuerrier, 2011). However, internal colonialism has created dual identities, with Qallunaamariit tying Inuit to Settler-Canadian norms, while Inummariit align with traditional practices predating settler colonialism (Dowsley, 2015). Climate change-induced shifts, like the melting ice affecting hunting, contribute to the loss of Inuit identity and culture, evident in high rates of suicide among Inuit boys (Greaves, 2016). Inuit culture and identity revolve around language, lifestyle, and society, all deeply connected to the environment. Melting ice disrupts language preservation and shifts traditional practices, impacting the interconnectedness of Inuit communities. The push for self-determination reflects a resistance to Western dominance and the preservation of Inuit culture (Greaves, 2016). Social ties, fostered during the preparation of traditional foods, diminish as zoonotic diseases limit access to these practices (Downing and Cuerrier, 2011). The methodology involves qualitative interviews and focus groups, respecting Inuit cultural protocols. The study will include Inuit community members, leaders, experts, and Elders, ensuring diverse perspectives. Research indicators include cultural identity, self-perception, community resilience, knowledge, and environmental justice. Informed by feminist theory and decolonization principles, the research adopts a polyvocal approach, emphasizing un-learning self-mastery, and telling and receiving stories. This framework allows for a reflexive and authentic engagement with the Inuit community, acknowledging the importance of diverse voices in the research process. The overall purpose is to understand the impact of climate change on Inuit self-perception and identity, focusing on the cultural significance of the cold and ice. The study aims to provide insights into the complex interplay between cultural practices, environmental shifts, and the quest for self-determination in the face of climate change.

Muhammad Rizwan, Islamia University Bahawalpur - Pakistan

Bridging the Climate Change Knowledge Gap: Insight from a KAP study for Effective Public education Campaigns

This study embarks on a groundbreaking journey to bridge the climate change knowledge gap through an exhaustive knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) survey. In contrast to existing literature, which largely focuses on the general understanding of climate change, our study zeroes in on specific knowledge deficiencies, attitudes and behaviors pertinent to climate change in Pakistan. This research is pivotal in the context of Pakistan, a country significantly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, yet grappling with a substantial knowledge gap among its populace. The comprehensive KAP survey was meticulously designed to capture a wide spectrum of responses from various demographic segments, including different age groups, educational backgrounds, and regions. The survey encompassed a series of questions aimed at assessing the participants understanding of basic climate change concepts, their attitudes towards environmental conservation, and their everyday practices that contribute to or mitigate the effects of climate change. Our findings paint a picture of a fundament, yet fragmented understanding of climate change among the participants. The survey revealed significant gaps in understanding crucial concepts like the greenhouse effect, and the links between climate change and global phenomena such as coral bleaching and rising sea levels. Interestingly, the study also uncovered a misalignment between public perception and scientific consensus on various aspects of climate change. A significant contribution of this research is the strategic formulation of a public education campaign. The campaign is uniquely tailored to the specific needs identified in the survey. It aims to address the misconceptions and knowledge gaps head-on, using targeted messaging and educational materials. The campaign strategy involves not just the dissemination of information but also the encouragement of proactive engagement in climate change mitigation. One of the primary focuses of the proposed education strategies is to correct misconceptions about climate change. This involves clarifying misunderstandings about the causes and effects of global warming, the role of human activity in climate change, and the significance of individual actions in mitigated its impact. The strategies are designed to be inclusive, catering to various literacy levels and socioeconomic backgrounds, ensuring widespread accessibility and comprehension. A novel finding of this study is the public’s latent willingness to engage in climate change mitigation efforts. Despite a general trend of inactivity, there is an underlying potential for significant public participation in environmental conservation initiatives. The study explores how this potential can be harnessed and transformed into active participation through strategic public education. The study underscores the crucial role of effective communication channels like television and radio in disseminating climate change information. It highlights the importance of leveraging these mediums to reach a broader audience, particularly in regions where access to digital platforms may be limited. The study suggests ways to optimize these channels for maximum impact, including the use of local languages and culturally relevant content to ensure response with the target audience. Implications for policymakers and educators the practical applications of this study are vast and varied. It provides actionable insights for policymakers, educators, and environmental advocates. The findings can be used to inform policy decisions, educational curricula, and public awareness campaigns. The study emphasizes the need for a collaborative approach involving government, educational institutions, media and civil society to effectively bridge the climate change knowledge gap. In conclusion, this study makes a unique and significant contribution to the field of environmental education and public policy. It offers a comprehensive analysis of the current state of climate change knowledge in Pakistan and presents a well-strategized approach to enhancing public understanding and engagement. By providing a clear roadmap for targeted public education campaigns, this research paves the way for more information and active participation in climate change mitigation efforts, not just in Pakistan but in other regions facing similar challenges.