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Dear Dot,
I keep hearing people talk about how important it is to build community as we confront a warming planet. But I live in a medium-sized city where people keep to themselves, so I’m not sure how to do that … or even really why I should. Help?
–Shawna
The Short Answer: With climate disasters growing more frequent and widespread, building a resilient community is a smart climate action. Reach out to neighbors and take an inventory of who needs what and who has the skills or tools to help. Dot hopes you’ll never need to call on your community, but it’s good to know you’re prepared, if necessary.
Dear Shawna,
I, too, have noticed that the buzz around community-building is growing louder, mixed in with warnings about “collapse” and “breakdown.” It can be hard to keep a cool head when confronted with predictions that sound like the plot of a dystopian sci-fi.
But whether or not we’re on the brink of societal and/or ecological collapse, the idea of creating community remains a good one. For a start, we know that loneliness is a problem, with almost one-quarter of people around the world reporting that they feel lonely. Robert D. Putnam, in his book Bowling Alone, argues that reduced civic engagement is leading to growing isolation.
Assuming we accept the premise that we are lonelier and more isolated (and not everyone agrees that loneliness is, in fact, an epidemic), then community-building seems a good idea to combat that. But even if, instead, we accept Our World in Data’s reportage that loneliness has remained fairly consistent over time, Dot maintains that community-building is still an important piece of climate action. Consider this, from renowned scientist, broadcaster, and climate activist David Suzuki, who recently told a reporter that “The units of survival are going to be local communities, so I’m urging local communities to get together.” With increasing emergencies in the form of earthquakes, floods, droughts, and storms, he says, “governments will not be able to respond on the scale or speed that is needed for these emergencies.”
Citizens, Suzuki says, are “going to be at the front line of whatever hits and [had] better be sure you’re ready to meet it. Find out who on your block can’t walk, because you’re going to have to deal with that. Who has wheelchairs? Who has fire extinguishers? Where is the available water? Do you have batteries or generators? Start assessing the routes of escape. You’re going to have to inventory your community, and that’s really what we have to start doing now.”
A Canadian nonprofit called My Climate Plan is taking a similar proactive approach. As part of a six-point climate plan, the group recommends connecting with our neighbors, noting that “Neighbours are often each other’s first support during an emergency situation, as first responders may be overwhelmed. Preparing with your neighbours before an emergency strikes will mean a better response and a faster recovery. Work with your neighbours to create a “safety buddy” system. For example, if you live alone and/or are vulnerable, find someone who can check on you and offer support when a climate emergency strikes. Or, make a list of vulnerable people in your neighbourhood that may need some extra assistance, and offer to include them in your emergency plans.”
An NPR station recently reported on a community in North Carolina that’s a model for a resilient community and quoted Rishi Sugla, a climate resilience scientist at the University of Washington, saying that “There's a lot of evidence that shows that the stronger a community’s social cohesion is, the better chances they have of resilience from climate hazards. Close-knit communities tend to share resources like transportation, information and caregiving during climate-fueled hazards. And all of these things can help buffer the impact.”
But, Shawna, you ask another important question. How can we build this community?
One online climate activist reported that they began with a simple flyer they dropped at doors and posted to a neighborhood tree. The note read: “Neighbors! In uncertain times (fires, earthquakes, outages, pandemics), it's good to know each other. Want to join a simple group chat for check-ins and resource-sharing? Text me at ___ to be added.” Once connected, this activist advised, the group should take an inventory of resources and skills. Who’s adept at first aid? Who has a generator? Who can charge phones? Who will check on elderly folks in the event of a heat wave? Water? Solar lights?
Remember, Shawna, it takes time to build trust. You might start with fun activities like block parties or porch concerts. Even if your community never gets hit with a climate disaster (and let’s hope for that!), it’s fun to know your neighbors!
Creating resiliency within your community, a new study shows, can be one of the smartest investments we make. After analyzing over 300 climate adaptation investments, the World Resources Institute found that every $1 spent on resilience yielded more than $10 in benefits. They calculated an annual average return of 27% through healthier communities, stronger local economies, and more secure infrastructure.
But we don’t want to attach a dollar figure to the comfort an elderly neighbor gets from knowing that someone is looking out for them. Or the reassurance a parent feels knowing that neighbors are invested in their children’s wellbeing.
We’re entering uncharted territory, Shawna. You’re wise to want to be prepared and to be among community. And knowing you have a community to rely on is more than just nice, it’s a necessity.
Togetherly,
Dot
