Empowering Underrepresented Communities: Workshops to Address Climate Change Inequities

Ingrid Waldron, the HOPE Chair in Peace and Health in the Faculty of Humanities, and McMaster Engineering researcher Zobia Jawed are collaborating on a groundbreaking initiative to empower racialized community members in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area to recognize and address the impacts of climate change on their lives. The project involves a series of educational workshops designed to bridge the gap between underrepresented communities and climate policymakers, ultimately aiming to inspire action and advocacy within these communities.

Jawed, who holds a Senior Research Fellowship in the Global Peace and Social Justice program, emphasizes the urgent need for tangible solutions in the face of climate challenges and infrastructure deficiencies. The workshops, developed in partnership with the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists and the Toronto Environmental Alliance, will connect climate change and climate justice to the everyday realities of participants, highlighting the intersectionality of climate issues with housing, food security, and income disparities.

Waldron, known for her research on environmental justice and her work with marginalized communities, stresses the importance of making climate discussions relevant and accessible to those who are often overlooked in mainstream conversations. By addressing the specific experiences and impacts of climate change on underrepresented groups, the workshops aim to empower participants to take meaningful action and advocate for their communities.

Drawing on her expertise in sustainability, climate change, and community engagement, Jawed will lead the facilitation of the workshops, leveraging her experience in both the public and private sectors to drive lasting change. Together, Waldron and Jawed seek to amplify the voices of Black communities disproportionately affected by climate change and break down barriers to meaningful participation in climate action.

The project, funded by a Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) Partnership Development Grant, represents a significant step towards fostering collaboration between academia and community wisdom. By empowering communities to advocate for themselves and take ownership of climate issues, the initiative aims to create a more inclusive and impactful approach to addressing the climate crisis.

Through their innovative workshops and collaborative efforts, Waldron and Jawed are paving the way for a more equitable and sustainable future, where all voices are heard and empowered to drive positive change in the face of climate challenges.