Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts (MA)
Department
Psychology
Program Name/Specialization
Community Psychology
Faculty/School
Faculty of Science
First Advisor
Dr. Manuel Riemer
Advisor Role
Thesis Supervisor
Second Advisor
Dr. Alexis Buettgen
Advisor Role
Committee Member
Third Advisor
Dr. Laura Pin
Advisor Role
Committee Member
Fourth Advisor
Dr. Sarah Wiebe
Advisor Role
External Examiner
Abstract
With climate change related risks increasing at a rapid pace, climate resilience, that is, an individual’s or community’s ability to individually or collectively anticipate and adapt to the effects of climate change, is growing in importance. While a growing body of literature highlights the importance of equitable participation in climate adaptation and resilience planning, there is limited research on what authentic community engagement looks like. In response to this gap, a participatory action research approach was used in collaboration with the Social Development Centre and the Lived Expertise Engagement Program to explore the co-creation process of a grassroots-led climate resilience action network and strategy in Waterloo Region. The Grassroots Climate Resilience Project provides an example of a localized engagement approach that was shaped by the critical experiential knowledge and skills held by individuals navigating housing precarity, displacement and grassroots advocacy efforts. Findings reveal the significance of critical self-awareness regarding underlying worldviews, demonstrating how an iterative process can be leveraged to actively challenge harmful power asymmetries that often work to invalidate lived experiences of equity-deserving individuals. The results demonstrate the importance of facilitation and governance approaches that centre relational care, reflexivity and trust building as integral components of sustainable community-led climate resilience. This study provides empirical insights into navigating power dynamics, fostering authentic community engagement and advancing epistemic justice within localized climate resilience strategies.
Recommended Citation
Escoffery, Emily X., "A Participatory Action Research Approach: The Grassroots Climate Resilience Project Centering Lived Experience of Housing Precarity and Grassroots Efforts" (2027). Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive). 2986.
https://scholars.wlu.ca/etd/2986
Convocation Year
2027
Convocation Season
Spring