Abstract
This research examines whether oral history podcasts of climate change can be an effective method of fostering transnational climate solidarity. Transnational climate solidarity is defined in the thesis as a feeling of connection and a desire to act in order to aid in the mitigation of and adaptation to climate threats that is expressed across national borders. Climate solidarity has been identified by as a necessary component in the fight against climate change and for climate justice. This research is centered around a podcast, entitled “Chronicles of Coastal Change,” created from oral histories collected in the Dublin Docklands, and a survey sent to residents of Michiana, USA to examine their reactions to this podcast. In May 2022, I interviewed six community activists from the Dublin Docklands about their climate experiences and memories. These interviews were then used to create Chronicles of Coastal Change, exploring the major themes of climate history, the legacy and impact of the water, the global nature of the climate crisis, and climate activism. Community members in Michiana then listened to the podcast and filled out the survey afterwards. The survey contained questions related to personal background, impact, connection, and solidarity. Based on the survey data, Chronicles of Coastal Change was effective in fostering transnational climate solidarity in the Michiana community towards the Docklands activists. These findings are significant because they identify a concrete way to foster transnational climate solidarity between two coastal communities, a trait that needs to be developed for successful and sustainable climate action.
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
Technical, Political, and Social Responses
KEYWORDS
Coastal Climate Change, International Solidarity, Oral History, Podcasts
