North Wales Communities are driving climate research
As many of us are aware, the Earth faces an unprecedented threat from anthropogenic climate change. In fact climate change has already begun to have significant impacts on our world. In order to further understand the consequences of these changes, researchers from Bangor University enlisted the help of long term unemployed people living in Communities in North Wales.
Participants from Gwynedd and Anglesey gained an insight into the way they feel about their environment through debate, art, creative writing, design and practical experience. They were trained in gardening, and in the observation of life cycle events in plants and animals, for example they recorded the behaviour of insects and birds, and investigated the flowering of plants.
These workshops took place at Treborth Botanic Gardens, and were given by researchers at Bangor University, and volunteers from the ‘Friends of Treborth Botanic Garden’ group. The resulting data was entered into a database and used to assess the impact of climate change at a regional and global level.
The leader of the initiative Professor Thomas DeLuca said:
‘The aim of the project was to enable adults facing long term unemployment to gain experience in a variety of environmentally friendly pursuits that illustrate the close link between human activities and the earth’s resources.’
He added:
‘North Wales has a high proportion of long term unemployed and vulnerable adults that have the potential to benefit greatly from such a program. ‘
Climate change research and education are focal areas for Bangor University. The data collected is being used directly by University scientists and students in undergraduate practical modules and research projects, and by others from around the UK and Europe that are using the data to answer questions regarding climate change.
The aim of such a project as this is to engage members of the welsh community in the formation of scientific knowledge that is usually restricted to the insides of universities. As a model of ‘citizen science,’ it is an effective one, as changes in plants and animals can be easily monitored by members of the public and used directly in climate change research.
As Professor DeLuca says:
‘Observing and recording phenological stages, such as the emergence of leaves and flowers, is a simple and accessible approach in engaging the public in the natural world and the impacts of climate change. This type of programme has been initiated in England and in other countries, but has never before been attempted nationally in Wales.’
He added:
‘This project provided individuals with an interesting, interactive approach to learning about botany, zoology, climate change, and research.’
The benefits of a project like this were multiple, for the participants, the volunteers and for the researchers themselves. According to Professor Deluca the experience
‘helped build the volunteers’ self confidence, providing tangible experience in botanical and environmental sciences, and providing volunteers with a sense of accomplishment and belonging.’
He added:
‘The project brought together different elements of the community in a positive and meaningful manner and also provided an opportunity for participants to discuss and learn from each others experiences of climate change.’
The benefits of projects like this in Wales cannot be overstated, for example The Friends of Treborth group have already had considerable success at engaging vulnerable adults in nature based research. The Plants and People Project in 2008, coordinated by the Friends of Treborth, is another example of a successful environmental education project specifically targeting socially at risk adults in North Wales.
Interesting Links
The Treborth Botanic Garden Group
