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Engaging Communities in Adaptation to Climate Change by Understanding the Dimensions of Social Capital in Atlantic Canada

Author

Listed:
  • Liette Vasseur

    (Department of Biological Sciences, Brock University, 1812 Sir Isaac Brock Way, St. Catharines, ON L2S 3A1, Canada)

  • Mary J. Thornbush

    (School of Environment, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road East, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada)

  • Steve Plante

    (Département de Sociétés, Territories et Développement, Université du Québec à Rimouski, 300, Allée des Ursulines, Rimouski, QC G5L 3A1, Canada)

Abstract

This paper examines the role of social capital and its influence on the capacity of coastal communities in Atlantic Canada to respond and adapt to climate change, especially when dealing with extreme weather events. Three elements of social capital—social trust, institutional trust, and social networks—were considered. They were analyzed based on four questions targeting social capital during semi-structured interviews on climate change adaptation in 10 rural coastal communities located in three Canadian provinces (Quebec, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island). Results showed that these communities exhibited strong social capital, mainly because of a high level of social trust. People were ambivalent in the way they connected to institutions, especially with governments. They often felt isolated and left to themselves to deal with climate change adaptation decisions. The research conveys the difficulties and challenges of multilevel governance, where coastal communities generally ensure trust within the community first before trusting higher levels of government. Initiatives to improve public engagement and participation in decision making should be supported for further adaptation, although they would require greater accountability and transparency.

Suggested Citation

  • Liette Vasseur & Mary J. Thornbush & Steve Plante, 2022. "Engaging Communities in Adaptation to Climate Change by Understanding the Dimensions of Social Capital in Atlantic Canada," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(9), pages 1-13, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:14:y:2022:i:9:p:5250-:d:802845
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Liette Vasseur & Mary Thornbush & Steve Plante, 2017. "Climatic and Environmental Changes Affecting Communities in Atlantic Canada," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 9(8), pages 1-10, July.
    2. Erik Persson & Åsa Knaggård & Kerstin Eriksson, 2021. "Public Perceptions concerning Responsibility for Climate Change Adaptation," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(22), pages 1-23, November.
    3. W. Neil Adger, 2003. "Social Capital, Collective Action, and Adaptation to Climate Change," Economic Geography, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 79(4), pages 387-404, October.
    4. Woolcock, Michael & Narayan, Deepa, 2000. "Social Capital: Implications for Development Theory, Research, and Policy," The World Bank Research Observer, World Bank, vol. 15(2), pages 225-249, August.
    5. N. Jones & J. Clark, 2014. "Social capital and the public acceptability of climate change adaptation policies: a case study in Romney Marsh, UK," Climatic Change, Springer, vol. 123(2), pages 133-145, March.
    6. Joakim Kulin & Ingemar Johansson Sevä, 2021. "Who do you trust? How trust in partial and impartial government institutions influences climate policy attitudes," Climate Policy, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 21(1), pages 33-46, January.
    7. Liette Vasseur, 2021. "How Ecosystem-Based Adaptation to Climate Change Can Help Coastal Communities through a Participatory Approach," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(4), pages 1-10, February.
    8. Carlie D. Trott & Andrea E. Weinberg & Laura B. Sample McMeeking, 2018. "Prefiguring Sustainability through Participatory Action Research Experiences for Undergraduates: Reflections and Recommendations for Student Development," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(9), pages 1-21, September.
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