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Examining the Effect of Visualization Tool Exposure on Local-Level Stakeholder Perceptions on Climate Change Adaptation

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Examining the Effect of Visualization Tool Exposure on Local-Level Stakeholder Perceptions on Climate Change Adaptation Examining the Effect of Visualization Tool Exposure on Local-level Stakeholder Perceptions on Climate Change Adaptation by Maliha Majeed A thesis presented to the University of Waterloo in fulfillment of the thesis requirement for the degree of Master of Environmental Studies in Geography Waterloo, Ontario, Canada, 2015 © Maliha Majeed 2015 AUTHOR’S DECLARATION I hereby declare that I am the sole author of this thesis. This is a true copy of the thesis, including any required final revisions, as accepted by my examiners. I understand that my thesis may be made electronically available to the public. ii ABSTRACT Vulnerabilities of human communities, driven by environmental, social, economic, and political dynamics, vary across geographical and social regions. Coastal communities are considered to be among those greatest at risk from climate impacts. To cope with these impacts, communities must assess existing vulnerabilities and adaptive capacities, and begin to adapt. Currently, community-based research often focuses on identifying vulnerabilities and possible adaptations, but rarely examines how local-level stakeholders perceive adaptation-based needs and potential action. This research study focuses on Lennox Island, in Prince Edward Island and the Town of Lockeport, in Nova Scotia to examine how two innovative visualization tools, CLIVE and AdaptNS, influence stakeholder perceptions on climate change adaptation. This study explores whether tool exposure changes perceptions of awareness and priorities for potential action among local-level decision-makers and stakeholders. It further explores which aspects of the visualization tools resonate among local-level decision-makers. This research builds on existing vulnerability assessment information established through the Partnership for Canada-Caribbean Community Climate Change Adaptation (ParCA) research project and uses a methodological approach involving semi-structured interviews and community-based workshops with local-level decision-makers and community stakeholders, respectively. After exposure to visualization tools, this tool finds that stakeholders have a greater awareness of and an enhanced need to prioritize critical infrastructure and regions that are vulnerable to the physical impacts of climate change (specifically storm surge and coastal erosion), to consider the impact of climate change on future generations, and to attain further information regarding climate change impacts. It is further revealed that the visual aspects (including physical impacts, timeframes, and localized focus) and decision-support tool aspects of visualization tools are favourable to stakeholders. iii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I would like to thank my supervisor, Dr. Johanna Wandel and my fellow ParCA researchers who have supported me throughout this research study and provided me with invaluable guidance, resources, and information. I would also like to thank my friends and family, near and far, who have been very understanding, caring, and motivating towards my efforts in achieving my goals; thank you for keeping me grounded and balanced, especially over the last couple years. iv TABLE OF CONTENTS LIST OF FIGURES ...................................................................................................................... vii LIST OF TABLES ....................................................................................................................... viii LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS ........................................................................................................ ix Chapter 1: Introduction ................................................................................................................... 1 1.1 Climate Change and Adaptation ........................................................................................ 1 1.2 Research Objectives ........................................................................................................... 2 1.3 Project Overview ............................................................................................................... 3 Chapter 2: Literature Review .......................................................................................................... 4 2.1 Stakeholder Engagement in Environmental Decision-making ............................................. 4 2.1.1 Why Stakeholder Engagement is Considered Important ............................................... 4 2.1.2 Who is a Stakeholder and Who Should be Included...................................................... 4 2.1.2.1 Advantages and Disadvantages of Having Everyone Involved .............................. 7 2.1.3 Type of Engagement ...................................................................................................... 8 2.1.4 Methods of Engagement .............................................................................................. 10 2.2 Visualization Tools in Environmental Decision-making .................................................... 11 2.2.1 Why Do We Use Visualization Tools .......................................................................... 11 2.2.1.1 Benefits and Constraints of Visualization Tools .................................................. 13 2.2.2 With Whom Do We Use Visualization Tools.............................................................. 15 2.2.3 How Do We Use Visualization Tools .......................................................................... 16 2.2.4 Overview of Existing Visualization Tools ................................................................... 16 2.3 Behaviour Change in Environmental Decision-making ..................................................... 25 2.3.1 Factors that Influence Behaviour ................................................................................. 25 2.3.1.1 Demographic ......................................................................................................... 25 2.3.1.2 External ................................................................................................................. 26 2.3.1.3 Internal .................................................................................................................. 27 Chapter 3: Study Site and Methods .............................................................................................. 31 3.1 Study Area .......................................................................................................................... 31 3.1.1 Lennox Island............................................................................................................... 32 3.1.1.1 Physical System .................................................................................................... 32 3.1.1.2 Human System ...................................................................................................... 33 3.1.1.3 Local Governance ................................................................................................. 34 3.1.1.4 Current State of Climate Change Adaptation ....................................................... 35 3.1.2 Town of Lockeport ...................................................................................................... 35 3.1.2.1 Physical System .................................................................................................... 35 3.1.2.2 Human System ...................................................................................................... 36 3.1.2.3 Local Governance ................................................................................................. 36 3.1.2.4 Current State of Climate Change Adaptation ....................................................... 37 3.2 Visualization Tools Used in These Study Areas ................................................................. 39 3.2.1 CLIVE .......................................................................................................................... 39 3.2.2 AdaptNS ....................................................................................................................... 41 3.3 Methods for Data Collection ............................................................................................... 43 3.3.1 Key Informant Interviews ............................................................................................ 45 3.3.1.1 Participants ............................................................................................................ 46 3.3.1.2 Process .................................................................................................................. 46 v 3.3.2 Community Workshops ............................................................................................... 47 3.3.2.1 Participants ............................................................................................................ 47 3.3.2.2 Process: Structured Questionnaire ........................................................................ 48 3.3.2.3 Process: Workshop................................................................................................ 49 Chapter 4: Results ......................................................................................................................... 52 4.1 Results from Key Informant Interviews ............................................................................. 52 4.1.1 Awareness ...................................................................................................................
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