Coastal flooding,climate change and environmental justice: identifying obstacles and incentives for adaptation in two metropolitan Boston Massachusetts communities |
| |
Authors: | Ellen M Douglas Paul H Kirshen Michael Paolisso Chris Watson Jack Wiggin Ashley Enrici Matthias Ruth |
| |
Institution: | (1) Environmental, Earth and Ocean Sciences, University of Massachusetts Boston, 100 Morrissey Blvd, Boston, MA 02125, USA;(2) University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH, USA;(3) Department of Anthropology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA;(4) Urban Harbors Institute, University of Massachusetts, Boston, MA, USA;(5) Center for Integrative Environmental Research, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA |
| |
Abstract: | We explored the possible future impacts of increased coastal flooding due to sea level rise and the potential adaptation responses
of two urban, environmental justice communities in the metropolitan Boston area of Massachusetts. East Boston is predominantly
a residential area with some industrial and commercial activities, particularly along the coastal fringe. Everett, a city
to the north of Boston, has a diversified industrial and commercial base. While these two communities have similar socioeconomic
characteristics, they differ substantially in the extent to which residents would be impacted by increased coastal flooding.
In East Boston, a large portion of residents would be flooded, while in Everett, it is the commercial/industrial districts
that are primarily vulnerable. Through a series of workshops with residents in each community, we found that the target populations
do not have an adaptation perspective or knowledge of any resources that could assist them in this challenge. Furthermore,
they do not feel included in the planning processes within their communities. However, a common incentive for both communities
was an intense commitment to their communities and an eagerness to learn more and become actively engaged in decisions regarding
climate change adaptation. The lessons that can be applied to other studies include 1) images are powerful tools in communicating
concepts, 2) understanding existing cultural knowledge and values in adaptation planning is essential to the planning process
and 3) engaging local residents at the beginning of the process can create important educational opportunities and develop
trust and consensus that is necessary for moving from concept to implementation. |
| |
Keywords: | |
本文献已被 SpringerLink 等数据库收录! |
|