Making a difference: Key strategies for community-based adaptation

The weather worldwide has become increasingly unpredictable. In the state of Minnesota, we now experience record-high temperatures during summer, irregular rainfall patterns, and milder, less reliable winters. These uncertainties are experienced by families through higher cooling bills, which has increased the energy burden on low-income communities. In addition, challenging cold weather conditions require additional heating.

Community-based adaptation refers to locally driven approaches aimed at addressing the impacts of climate change. These actions are carried out by the communities themselves, from the identification of climate issues to the planning and implementation of the solutions. This article offers readers practical ways for families to adapt to the effects of climate change, as well as passing on knowledge to their children by activating their leadership. 

The effects of climate change are being felt in real-time in Minnesota. With the changing climate comes much warmer winters, heavier and unpredictable storms, and an increased prevalence of heatwaves to name but a few. These occurrences have led to effects such as flooding in low-lying neighborhoods, a rise in energy bills and damage to homes due to heavy storms. 

We as a community need to have a better understanding of community-based adaptations. This is the first step in coming up with effective solutions.

Practical family strategies

1. Coping with extreme heat: 

1. Planting of trees to help reduce indoor and outdoor temperature.
2. Fans and air-conditioners should be utilized effectively. During hotter days, these sources can serve as tools for cooling. Windows could be used for ventilation during the cooler nights by facilitating natural air circulation.
3. Replace old bulbs with LED lights since they emit less heat.
4. During extremely hot days, visit fountains or cooling centers such as libraries or community centers. These locations usually have air conditioning and proper accommodation.

Teaching moment: In planting trees, children can assist by watering the plants daily. Use this opportunity to educate them on the importance of trees to the existence of life on earth. This helps raise environmental awareness and fosters leadership.

2. Managing flooding and heavy rain:

1. Communal labor drives should be employed to clear gutters. Storm drains with debris prevent free flow of rainwater and as such should be cleared.
2. Plant rain gardens to absorb water naturally.
3. Children should be educated on emergency readiness during times of floods.

Teaching Moment: Floods will occur; therefore, it is vitally important for families to have safety measures in place. It is imperative to also plan for such emergencies. Children should be made integral pieces of this by undertaking simple but impactful tasks such as knowing basic basement safety protocols like avoiding outlets in the presence of water. Planting native plants in rain gardens also teaches children that nature itself can be used to protect the environment.

3. Building energy resilience:

1. The use of energy-efficient appliances and lighting cannot be overemphasized, as this reduces electricity use. 
2. Using smart thermostats will help regulate energy use. 
3. Teach children to switch off lights and unplug devices when not in use.
4. Knowledge of energy assistance programs or weatherization services builds community resilience. 

Teaching moment: Children can track the differences in energy use and learn about the savings associated with energy efficiency. There could be a family challenge where the biggest energy saver gets rewarded. Children can also be tasked with the regulation of smart thermostats in the home. This will build their sense of responsibility and strengthen their problem solving skills. Energy saving is not just about the cost saved but also the efficient sharing of scarce communal resources.

Families as community leaders

Households taking action leads to a multiplier effect in their communities. Families can join community organizations such as Minneapolis Climate Action and Minnesota GreenStep Cities. These organizations have one goal, and that is to reduce the impact of climate change through effective collaboration. Collaborating to plant trees, clear drains and reducing energy use although being undertaken in individual homes, have resounding results as multiple homes are replicating the same efforts simultaneously.

We do not require large budgets and climate change experts to commence a Community-Based Adaptation project. It requires the collective action of like-minded people whose goal is to protect the world that they live in for future generations. There is an African proverb that reminds of this responsibility: “Judge each day, not by the harvest but by the seeds you plant.” This is the approach we should all take in tackling climate change. 

Dr. Artika Tyner is committed to creating a world of inclusive leaders who will meet the pressing needs of today and work towards a better future where racial justice and economic justice reign supreme.  As a motivational speaker, author and educator, Dr. Tyner helps people of all ages connect with their gifts and develop tangible tools for bringing forth sustainable, durable change in the family, workplace, community or school.  By building and leveraging the tools in The Inclusive Leader she has inspired thousands of people to lead with their own gifts and plant a seed of social change.