Approaching the Climate Change Crisis by Implementing Models of Community Action in Academic Institutions

• In Event: Reimagining Expertise, Reconfiguring the Disciplines

Abstract

Climate change represents an immediate existential crisis for humanity. Special interests representing the profitability of international corporations have succeeded in limiting global action to curb the release of carbon dioxide and methane into the atmosphere. Using data from two projects, we have begun exploring possibilities for implementing scientific programs in academia that strengthen communities local to a university. Suggested programs would also have an impact on policy and decision making at the national level. Observations of populations near the University of California Merced have provided evidence of an inexpert understanding of the threats of climate change. Comparing the concerns of this population to terminology used in scientific articles in the PLOS One archive has revealed the interconnectedness of scientific research and public concern regarding climate change. Further research has examined ideological positioning through an embodied cognitive approach. Utilizing an embodied methodology provided greater insight into how ideological positions can affect social groupings. Academic institutions have historically been major influencers on the communities in which they are embedded. Community impacts can be attained by integrating science education and participation in scientific research into local schools, arts, social organizations, and political organizations. Because evidence has shown that public and scientific concerns regarding climate change are aligned, we have proposed that local integration of sciences would impact ideological positioning in a way that creates greater interconnectedness among academic and community social groupings. Strengthening local communities in this way should then allow for bottom-up political change that limits the effect of corporate special interests.

Authors

• Brandon Batzloff, University of California Merced

• Michael Spivey, University of California Merced