Leading up to the August 2018 California Adaptation Forum, organizers gathered stories from frontline communities to highlight innovative engagement strategies. “Towards Equitable Adaptation” is a collection of first-hand accounts and guidance from climate leaders who share their experience developing and implementing equitable adaptation efforts in diverse communities across the globe. Featured profiles include:
- Ms. Margaret Gordon, Co-Director, West Oakland Environmental Indicators Project on how community engagement and participation in climate resilience and adaptation be equitable, especially at the neighborhood level.
- Dorette Quintana English, Health Program and Policy Specialist, California Department of Public Health on ways to prioritize adaptation strategies and empower communities likely to be hurt first and worst by climate change.
- Mike Antos, Senior Watershed Manager, Santa Ana Watershed Project Authority on the intersection of homelessness and water management, particularly related to flood risks.
- Dwayne S. Marsh, Vice President of Institutional and Sectoral Change, Race Forward on strategies and tools for addressing racism personally and professionally.
- Alex Ghenis, Researcher and Policy Specialist, World Institute on Disability on how “adaptive climate justice” strategies strive to create a level playing field in the face of historical inequalities.
- Joanne Jordan, Independent Research Consultant on why effective climate resilient strategies must engage the frontline communities to ensure that the policies and interventions fit with their experiences and understanding of climate change.
