Podcast as policy communicator: How lived experiences of extreme heat events inform local policy conversations
Date
2025
Authors
Dolman, Erica
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
This study explored how the sharing of priority populations lived experiences of the 2021 heat dome in the Capital Regional District (CRD) may serve as a tool for climate change communication. It further explored how podcasting can be used as a communication tool for priority populations to share their lived experiences of the heat dome and contribute to policy listening. Priority populations, or those affected by extreme heat events, or EHEs, includes, but is not limited to, socially isolated seniors, those with perinatal lived experience, such as pregnant or nursing people, Indigenous people, people who live in a rural location, those who take medication that may make them sensitive to extreme heat and newcomers to Canada. This project built upon research that showed how these populations disproportionately experience the effects of climate change. This thesis argued that to make more equitable policy outcomes and solutions, integration of the perspectives and voices of priority populations into policy solutions and outcomes is essential. When not done, policies may be made that inadvertently oppress those they wish to serve. Seven interview participants from diverse priority populations shared their stories in a physical place of their choosing. These were recorded with the subsequent goal of producing a podcast of which the researcher is the lead producer to disseminate these interviews for wider reach, and to communicate with local policymakers and decision makers. Research findings indicated that policy and decision-makers must tailor communication efforts to the needs and perspectives of members of priority populations, and further, a sincere and honest effort is critical to build community between those who may be more privileged and those disproportionately affected by climate change to create more equitable policy outcomes.
Description
Keywords
Climate change communication, Podcasting, Planetary health, Policy listening