Abstract
This paper shares findings from a feminist participatory action research (FPAR) inquiry that aimed to document and develop place-based and community-led strategies for climate justice. The study establishes the challenge of mainstreaming climate policy in secondary emitting sectors and the additional challenge of scaling up climate justice in states that are captured by fossil fuel interests. It also shares relational practices and processes from a Climate and Health Community of Practice (CoP) which influenced the mainstreaming of climate action in the Western Australian health sector where previously there was no political mandate. A key component of the CoP was its facilitation by climate justice advocates from a non-government organisation and its establishment across government silos. The CoP was organised as an in-between space that fostered trust, solidarity, information and network sharing between people, with and without their institutional baggage. The CoP created an informal transparency and accountability mechanism for policy and decision-makers, enhanced community engagement and contributed to the emotional well-being of its members. These practices are significant given the challenges members face in their context: For example the censorship of public servants; burnout of change agents; siloed departments and sectors; and poor community consultation. The study is relevant for knowledge experts, advocates, public servants and practitioners, seeking to understand the role of non-government actors and relational processes in overcoming institutional barriers to mainstreaming climate action in complex multi-issue settings. The paper concludes by considering the challenges of scaling relational principles and practices for climate justice beyond a CoP.
Presenters
Kylie WrigleyPhD Candidate, Centre for People Place and Planet, Edith Cowan Univerity, Western Australia, Australia
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
Technical, Political, and Social Responses
KEYWORDS
Climate Policy, Change Agency, Health Sector, Participatory Action Research, Relational
