Impact of Local Knowledge and Technology on Climate Change Vulnerability in Remote Communities
Author Information
Author(s): Christopher Bone, Lilian Alessa, Mark Altaweel, Andreas Kliskey, Richard Lammers
Primary Institution: University of Alaska Anchorage
Hypothesis
How do technology-induced distancing and local knowledge interact to influence community vulnerability to climate change?
Conclusion
The study shows that local knowledge can mitigate the adverse effects of technology-induced distancing on community perceptions of climate change.
Supporting Evidence
- Community perceptions of climate change are influenced by technology and local knowledge.
- Agent-based modeling shows how individual perceptions aggregate to form community views.
- Demographic changes can increase community vulnerability over time.
Takeaway
This study looks at how using new technology can make people feel less connected to their environment, but sharing local knowledge can help them understand climate change better.
Methodology
An agent-based model was developed to simulate community perceptions of climate change based on individual knowledge and technology use.
Potential Biases
Potential bias in knowledge transfer due to agent types and their engagement with traditional resource use.
Limitations
The model assumes constant community population and does not account for migration or external knowledge sources.
Participant Demographics
The study focuses on two remote communities in Alaska, Wales and Teller, with populations of approximately 152 and 269, respectively.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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