SUPPORTING CLIMATE ADAPTATION BY INVOLVING DISADVANTAGED COMMUNITIES IN BORSOD-ABAÚJ-ZEMPLÉ COUNTY (A KLÍMAALKALMAZKODÁS SEGÍTÉSE A BORSOD-ABAÚJ-ZEMPLÉN VÁRMEGYE HÁTRÁNYOS HELYZETŰ KÖZÖSSÉGEINEK BEVONÁSÁVAL)
CSO: HOLOCEN
Area: climate change, heat waves, helping local governments and the public achieve climate protection goals, sensitizing young people about sustainability and protection against the effects of climate change, Involvement to the development of municipal heat alert plans (proposals)
Location: BORSOD-ABAÚJ-ZEMPLÉ COUNTY
Type of project
Project purpose: To strengthen climate awareness and faith in science in the county of Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén, specifically in 5 selected disadvantaged settlements and 10 educational institutions with a complex, attitude-shaping project that includes multiple activities for different target groups. The aim is to promote good practices and sustainable lifestyles related to climate adaptation in the spirit of climate protection. All this in such a way that the activities promote the strengthening of faith in science and the strengthening of critical thinking, as well as the strengthening of civic engagement.
Target (Disengaged)
The selected target area is one of the most underdeveloped counties in Hungary, and focusing on its disadvantaged areas, we will probably be dealing with mostly “non-committed” citizens during the term. According to several attitude surveys, the selected mostly rural target group is among the communities most excluded from information related to climate change in Hungary. On the one hand, because the population living in rural settlements is mostly less educated – compared to the urban population – and is also less open and interested in the topic. The student communities of rural “non-elite” primary and secondary schools that will be selected later, with whom we intend to work during the implementation of the project, can be characterized similarly. In this way, we intend to target social groups with our project whose members are presumably mostly “non-committed” citizens. Taking into account the assumed preparedness of the target group, we try to formulate the communication materials in a clear manner. At the same time, paying attention to scientific rigor, thoroughly going around and formulating the definition and characterization of each concept. Rather, strengthening the “scientific popularization” and dissemination nature of the knowledge transfer. When presenting good practices, we try to present examples that can be used in a simple household or in real-life situations, thus promoting the activity of the target group.
Science – Based
The communication and educational materials are compiled by the association’s professional staff – volunteers with scientific degrees or expertise – all of whom are committed to environmental protection, scientific thinking and knowledge dissemination. We are currently collaborating with our association in several projects related to environmental and climate protection as partners or experts. The people performing the project’s educational tasks always try to strengthen the belief in and acceptance of scientific approaches, and to emphasize the objectivity of science in the search for solutions to problems.
When compiling various expert (e.g. heat warning plans) or educational and communication materials, we aim to draw from credible, preferably up-to-date sources, with appropriate references, preferably with a source indication (by providing a link collection for more information). During the implementation of the project, we strive to present scientific results that present a problem and the related solution options using understandable, everyday and tangible examples.
Gender
When selecting the people involved in the project and those who will assist in its implementation, we are trying to involve both men and women. We are trying to involve as many women as possible, since strengthening the role of women – especially in small settlements – is an important and priority task during the implementation of the project due to their role in the family and the local community. When implementing school programs, we strive to conduct activities in mixed-gender classes. Furthermore, we are also trying to select half of the boys and girls interested in the planned youth camp, consciously applying some quotas in order to ensure equal opportunities. During the knowledge sharing sessions, in addition to climate protection content, we want to emphasize the concepts related to gender equality and the related EU guidelines for young people. Encouraging and helping young women – girls – to increase their role and decision-making power within their communities.
Planned activities
Workshop to help protect against heat, 5 times, one time per settlement (occasionally half a day, with catering service).
Compilation of settlement heat alert plans (proposals), 5 documents, one plan per settlement, with the involvement of experts and the population groups most sensitive to heat waves in the given settlement (minimum 40 pages, with figures) for settlement governments, as a recommendation.
Presentation of a “climate tent” once per settlement in connection with a cultural event (traveling exhibition, climate tote, information/advice stand) Online campaign targeting young people on a variety of topics. Organizing a Climate Protection Days event and youth camp. The goal is to ensure that communities in lagging regions and settlements also include young people who can influence sustainability and climate protection efforts in their own environment
Action model
A strong communication and participation is necessary to make a perception change of disadvantaged youth.