Abstract
The escalating impacts of climate change have precipitated an increase in extreme events, with both tangible and intangible ramifications on communities. This study focuses on the less visible, yet equally devastating, consequences of such events: the disruption of the deep connection people have with their environment. Place attachment (PA) reflects this emotional and cognitive bond, influencing people’s recovery processes.This study delves into the intricate dynamics of place attachment (PA) following the devastating Lytton Creek Fire 2021. Emphasizing the intangible facets of trauma-induced by extreme climatic events, it seeks to illuminate how affected individuals renegotiate their relationship with altered landscapes, rebuilding and reimagining their homes amidst profound change. The wildfire’s drastic impact on the landscape serves as a backdrop, presenting a unique situation wherein residents confront both the tangible destruction of their homes and the intangible erosion of solace, identity, and community. This inquiry is pivotal in the era of escalating climate change impacts, offering invaluable insights into how person-place relationships shape climate adaptation strategies. Through walking audio and photo voices methods, the study captures people’s nuanced sensory and emotional responses to the change detailing trauma, and attachment processes. Ultimately, it aspires to foster interdisciplinary dialogues on the pivotal role of place-based relationships in climate change responses, urging a holistic approach to recovery while acknowledging emotional and cultural ties individuals hold to their landscapes. The research contributes to the broader discourse on disaster recovery, emphasizing the human facets of disasters and the need to incorporate these perspectives into adaptation strategies.
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
KEYWORDS
Disaster response, Person-place relationship, Trauma recovery, Wildfire aftermath, Sensory Response
