Climate Change, Older Adults and Immigrants: Exploring Community Vulnerability and Resilience
Funded by: Cities IPCC Legacy Research Grant Program
The aim
To explore community level impacts of climate change across Edmonton in older adults and immigrant populations.
Our research approach
Quantitative approach
We will use statistical analyses (generalized linear models) to assess the relationship between factors and community health indicators. We will also investigate the combined impact of factors (e.g., social isolation plus air pollution) on community health indicators and explore pathways through which factors may impact community health indicators (linear regression/structural equation models). Factors will be linked by postal codes and mapped by dissemination area (census geographical units of 400-700 people).
Qualitative apprach
We will host a Stakeholder Engagement Day at a community center and invite key stakeholders (Edmonton city policymakers, urban planners, immigrant-serving and seniors’ agencies). We will also invite Edmontonians who identify as older adults and immigrants. Objective 1 results will be presented followed by break-out conversation circle sessions (5 conversation circles with 10 participants/circle) to foster discussions about climate change effects on communities, community climate change vulnerabilities, shared initiatives, and ways to promote climate change resilience in communities and organizations. All conversation circles will be led by experienced facilitators and translators from the research team. Conversations will be audiotaped, transcribed and (thematically) analyzed.
Where are we doing our study?
Our study is based in Edmonton, a city in Alberta province, Canada.
Research Contribution
Why is this study important?
Vulnerable populations are a critical consideration when developing municipal climate change plans. With estimates of life expectancy continuing to increase, an aging babyboom generation, and rising levels of immigration to large metropolitan centers, action must be taken to assure the well-being of older adult and immigrant populations.23-25 Evidence from this study will help to inform a wide variety of climate change and healthy aging initiatives (e.g., urban planning, infrastructure, household readiness, emergency services, transportation)1,26 to protect the well-being of Edmontonians.
This study will generate and map critical information about community-level vulnerability and resilience to climate change impacts, exploring the potential for combined effects and pathways. Also, it aims to generate deeper insight into the vulnerabilities and resilience of population groups, including those who have not traditionally been engaged in climate change discussions.