My research centres around the theme coastal community climate resilience, which broadly explores how communities confront climate change and adapt to the emerging challenges imposed on them due to increases in temperature, more extreme weather events and a rise in sea level. In particular, my work explores the decision dynamics around climate change adaptation policies, planning and actions, and is informed by governance and resilience theory. My research focuses on coastal communities in New Zealand, Australia, Canada and the United States.
Local scale climate change impacts Local government climate change policy (mitigation and adaptation) Urban/ community climate resilience/ adaptation
Research interest:
Broadly speaking, my research is organized around the theme resilient cities and communities. In particular, research is divided into two programs: a) local government decision dynamics around carbon management (mitigation); and b) local government climate adaptation planning, which explores how coastal cities and communities confront climate change and adapt to the emerging challenges imposed on them due to increases in temperature, more extreme weather events and a rise in sea level.
Currently, my research program is focused on the motivations (slow v. immediate threats), extent (embedded v. appendage), actions (reactionary v. anticipatory) and nature (internal capacity) of planning for climate change adaptation in British Columbia coastal communities. This research is also informed by case studies in New Zealand and Australia, as well as Arctic Canada/US.
Collection and analysis of data for social research in planning and human geography. Research design and sampling procedures. Both qualitative and quantitative methods are explored. Fieldwork required. Prerequisites: Any three HGP courses or any three EAS X9X courses. Not available to students with credit in EAS 392.
Fall Term 2021The professional practice of planning is covered including the role of planners in society and professional ethics for planners. Prerequisite: HGP 310. Restricted to Planning Major and Planning Specialization students.
Fall Term 2021The role of adaptive and resilience oriented planning to contribute to the development of regions that can sustain themselves and prosper through change and uncertainty. Sections offered in a Cost Recovery format at an increased rate of fee assessment; refer to the Fees Payment Guide in the University Regulations and Information for Students section of the Calendar.
Winter Term 2021The professional practice of planning is covered including the role of planners in society and professional ethics for planners. Sections offered at an increased rate of fee assessment; refer to the Tuition and Fees page in the University Regulations sections of the Calendar.
Fall Term 2021Collection and analysis of data for social research in planning in northern and resource communities. Research design and sampling procedures. Both qualitative and quantitative methods are explored. Fieldwork may be required. Sections offered at an increased rate of fee assessment; refer to the Tuition and Fees page in the University Regulations sections of the Calendar.
Fall Term 2021Started: 201805
Case studies include communities in Nunavut (Iqaluit, Rankin Inlet, Cambridge Bay, Cape Dorset, Pond Inlet), NWT (Inuvik, Yellowknife), Alaska (Barrow)
Started: 201705
Case studies include communities in New Brunswick (St. John, Fredericton), Nova Scotia (New Glasgow, Sydney, Halifax), PEI (Charlottetown), Newfoundland (St. John's) and Iceland (Akranes, Akureyri, Selfoss)
Started: 201606
Case studies include communities in British Columbia (Victoria, Comox Valley RD, Nanaimo RD, Surrey, North Vancouver, Delta) and Alaska (Nome, Homer, Juneau)