Student ResearchÌýSpotlight: Visualizing climate change impacts in Atlantic Canada
Andrea Minano in Chicago presenting her research at a conference
Ìýis aÌýMSc Geography candidate who, a±ô´Ç²Ô²µ²õ¾±»å±ðÌýDr. Peter JohnsonÌý²¹²Ô»åÌý¶Ù°ù.Ìý´³´Ç³ó²¹²Ô²Ô²¹Ìý°Â²¹²Ô»å±ð±ô, hasÌýdeveloped a web-based geographic tool for visualizing climate change impacts at the regional and local scales.ÌýThis tool was customized for Shelburne County, Nova Scotia as a means to communicate climate change science to citizens and allow municipalities to better understand local impacts and adaptation needs.Ìý
This research is one of many case studies that have emerged from theÌý. ParCA is a 5-year interdisciplinaryÌýproject that is led byÌýÌý²¹²Ô»åÌýIC3Director,ÌýDr. Daniel Scott.Ìý
During the 2-year Master's program, Andrea has accomplished a series of her goals, ranging from leading public engagement exercises in ShelburneÌýCounty, presenting her research at conferences among scholars and experts, and working with IC3 and Balsillie School on a global public consultation event on climate and energy.
As an example of her field work, Andrea travelled to aÌýcoastal town inÌýShelburneÌýCountyÌýin November 2014 to allow citizens to engage with her tool (named "AdaptNS") and evaluate its use in local climate change adaptation. Citizens provided insight on how these types of tools can promote the use of climate change science for identifying adaptation needs.Ìý
Most recently, Andrea presented her findings at the American Association of Geographers (AAG) conference in Chicago, Illinois. This opportunity allowed her to receive feedback on her research from scholars prior to her upcoming Master's thesis defence.
Currently, Andrea is working towards publicly releasing her tool online after receiving positive and helpful feedback from municipal leaders and citizens alike.Ìý