Humans of a warming world : an exploration of climate change experiences and perceptions across global regions
Subject
engagement
lived experiences
perceptions
phenomenology
lived experiences
perceptions
phenomenology
Abstract
The "Humans of a Warming World" (HOWW) project described in this thesis was designed with the primary intention of humanizing the issue of global climate change by creating a time capsule of the feelings, perceptions and experiences of 13 participants selected from various global sub-regions. The research was conducted in the genre of a hermeneutic phenomenological inquiry in which each participant was interviewed, salient excerpts were selected, and shared on a HOWW website and Facebook community page. An analysis of the interviews suggested that the participants' experiences of climate change were shaped by diverse realities and views. Further, the participants' perceptions could be placed along a continuum of awareness, concern, engagement and impact. For some a self-perpetuating cycle of engagement appeared to begin once concern led to conviction for taking action and, thereafter resulted in a sense of agency and empowerment.