Wakanda News Details

Utilising the context of situation in exploring climate change issues

THE terms, climate change adaptation and resilience are likely to suffer stillbirths considering how they have been overused out of context, especially in boardrooms, workshops, conferences and social media. GUEST COLUMNIST :PETER MAKWANYA These words are in danger of lacking practical relevance and losing value as there is not enough evidence on the ground to justify their usage. This does not mean that people concerned with overseeing climate action strategies are not doing anything but they are sometimes interested in hearing themselves speak, splashing their overrated images and works on the social media yet climate change impacts are biting on the ground. By so doing, the contexts in which these events are unfolding have rarely been factored in. It cannot be denied that a lot has been done in terms of climate change education and awareness in general but not in contexts where adaptation works are to take place. Of course talking is cheap and it is good for reaching out but stakeholders cannot talk forever hence action is required instead of being social media worriers with no practical relevance. Social media should have its share, especially during these days of the coronavirus but whatever the case, resilience is not built on Facebook or Twitter but out there in various geographical locations where vulnerabilities are accelerating. Of course, it is important to demonstrate to the sources of donor funds that at least something is being done but that is not enough as some important stakeholders continue to be left out and are given a raw deal in this important discourse. Utilising contexts is instrumental in changing lives while incorporating disadvantaged communities on the ground so that together and collectively resilience is gradually built and realised. Participating in climate action strategies through the use of contexts is pivotal for the local communities to understand the type of data and information they need to make appropriate decisions concerning their livelihoods. By exploring the context while engaging local users of information, at appropriate levels, stakeholders and even researchers and reporters can come up with information that is locally relevant and sound. This is otherwise known as context specific knowledge and information designed to bring people together, enable them to identify locally relevant challenges, questions and strategies for problem solving and climate solutions. These climate solutions should be contextually relevant, understood and effective in line with the local people’s needs and worldview. Contextualising adaptation issues enhances two-way communication strategies and transform the flow of information which is inclusive and sufficiently engaging. Two-way communication has come as a relief in filling institutional, procedural and power relation gaps because climate change communication has been dominated by top-down delivery of information for a long time which is not proper. With two-way communication that is process-oriented and quite revealing on future climate scena

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