As the focus and tone of managing the climate crisis move from mitigation to adaptation, how do we talk to people about it—and more importantly, how do we get their opinions, ideas, and emotions into the conversation that shapes our culture and our safety? It is a difficult topic, but like every other scary and uncomfortable aspect of human existence, it can also be approached creatively.
Commissioned by ECCAN, ‘The Most Beautiful Place in the World’ is a storytelling, arts & crafts project created by SCCAN Story Weaver and artist Joana Avi-Lorie to engage Edinburgh families with the topic of adaptation to climate change.
In this activity hosted at the Stockbridge Library, adults and children from the local community and around the city were invited to map two types of places: the places they love just like they are now and want to preserve and the places they think need a bit more care and protection from the impacts of climate change and other aspects of the climate crisis. They were also invited to map where they can observe local bird species and then draw and colour these elements.
The children were passionate about their favourite places, particularly the city’s green spaces and its wildlife.
Some were conscious of the vulnerability of certain places like the coastal
areas (Portobello Beach) and the impact of heavy traffic on the air (Sighthill), which is made worse when storms occur (affecting the dispersion of pollution particles).
We also looked at old maps of Edinburgh (1700s and 1800s) to put the
evolution of the city’s urban landscape into perspective, and even imagine what it would be like in the next 100 years.
The conversation flowed naturally, and everyone was keen to share what they knew and also learn more about the need to adapt the city and its
inhabitants to changes in the climate and other aspects of the climate crisis.
Some children were worried that there is no shelter for the birds when storms are really bad, and the trees might fall.
The mapping activity was quite fun for the children, and it also promoted
intergenerational dialogue. I am keen to run this activity again to both create awareness and think about solutions in a creative way that is appropriate for children to talk about adaptation.
Have you done or attended something similar in your area? Would you like to? You can email joana@sccan.scot to talk about it.
Also, check our page Preparing for Climate Impacts for more resources on climate adaptation. Please also get in touch if you would like a conversation about preparing for climate impacts. Our Adaptation Lead, Rebecca, is always keen to talk to people about how communities can prepare. Please email rebecca@sccan.scot