Adapting Together: Shaping the Future with Empathy and Action

Empathy, Collaboration, and Action in the Face of Climate Change

Climate adaptation is about shaping a future that not only acknowledges the realities of a changing climate but also honors the diversity of lived experiences and the personal challenges people face in adapting to these changes. It’s about achieving solutions together—solutions that reflect the values, priorities, and strengths of individuals and communities. At its core, adaptation is deeply personal. It’s about listening to people’s stories, understanding how climate impacts intersect with their lives, and recognizing their resilience and agency in the face of uncertainty.

While professionals bring technical expertise, real solutions emerge when we embrace bi-directional learning, foster collaboration, and adapt our approaches to reflect the unique geography, culture, and context of each situation. This understanding has been shaped by my experiences, where I’ve seen how climate impacts affect communities in ways that reflect the diversity and complexity of the people who live there

My Journey in Adaptation Work

My journey in adaptation work has been shaped by hands-on experiences in restoring ecosystems, collaborating with communities, and navigating the complex interplay between human values and the natural environment. Early in my career, I worked on nature-based solutions in Nova Scotia, focusing on restoring ecosystems like salt marshes. These systems serve as natural defenses against coastal impacts, reducing wave energy and protecting communities from erosion and flooding (The Nature Conservancy).

What struck me most was how salt marshes held different meanings for different people. Some valued biodiversity, others prioritized carbon sequestration or species conservation, while others appreciated their beauty or the protection they provide to nearby infrastructure. I realized that my own values shaped how I approached these ecosystems, and while they sometimes aligned with the people I interacted with, they sometimes didn’t.

Learning from Homeowners: The Resilient Home Retrofit Program

Another fundamental experience was leading the development of a resilient home retrofit pilot program. This initiative combined housing science and GIS analysis to help homeowners understand flood risks and prepare their homes.

We provided technical assessments, suggested practical solutions like improving drainage around the home or installing backwater valves, and gave homeowners the tools and resources to act. Yet, despite our efforts, some homeowners were unable or unwilling to participate.

At first, this was frustrating. We had the information, educational resources and solutions—but I soon learned there were barriers we hadn’t fully accounted for: financial concerns, competing priorities, lack of trust and limited time. These challenges underscored the need to meet people where they are and recognize that their decisions are influenced by a complex web of factors.

The Importance of Empathy and Listening

Climate adaptation is not a one-size-fits-all solution—it’s shaped by culture, context, and individual priorities. Some communities value economic stability, while others prioritize environmental preservation. In many cases, these values overlap, but they can also clash.

This work demands empathy and the ability to listen deeply. It also requires setting aside egos and working with people whose values or priorities may differ from our own. It may also require having frank conversations with your funders and sponsors if timelines need to adjust based on the need for more empathy and listening. What is needed is finding common ground and creating connections to move forward together (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change)

What Resilience Truly Means

Resilience looks different depending on who you ask. For governments, it might be about ensuring infrastructure withstands disasters. For homeowners, it might be about feeling secure in their ability to protect and rebuild.

Community is the thread that ties these perspectives together. Through shared knowledge and collaboration, we can better understand the risks we face and prepare for them collectively. Empathy and connection are key to navigating the challenges of the climate crisis (Resilience Alliance).

Moving Forward Together

Conflict resolution, active listening, and participatory planning are essential, and climate professionals need to facilitate dialogue to ensure all voices are heard, and guide groups toward shared goals.

As we move forward, my hope is that we create spaces where people feel comfortable coming together. Spaces where lived experiences and technical knowledge meet, where differing values are respected, and where finding common ground is always the priority.

Let’s continue the conversation and work together to create spaces where lived experiences and technical expertise come together to shape meaningful, lasting solutions.