John Forrester
University of York, Stockholm Environment Institute, Faculty Member
This report explores how the challenges faced by communities at risk from environmental hazards might be tackled via the application of social learning practices. By outlining the theoretical framework for social learning a better... more
This report explores how the challenges faced by communities at risk from environmental hazards might be tackled via the application of social learning practices. By outlining the theoretical framework for social learning a better understanding of its application for developing resilient communities is been proposed. The mechanisms for triggering social learning are then outlined, with examples from flood and heat wave risk in the UK employed to highlight how this might be achieved. Gaps and further opportunities for learning and research are outlined, again supported with examples from the UK and Turkey. This provides context for enhancing understandings of the utility of social learning. Most notably, as a way of evolving resilience discourse and practice in order to mitigate the potential and manifest consequences of the disaster risks posed by environmental hazards, by adapting to changes, understanding the wider context and bouncing forwards.
Research Interests:
... Democracy (including democratizing science) The first of our three rationales is participation as a democratic goal. This is a political end, and its advocates tend to favour increased participation per se; it is not, therefore,... more
... Democracy (including democratizing science) The first of our three rationales is participation as a democratic goal. This is a political end, and its advocates tend to favour increased participation per se; it is not, therefore, necessarily tied to improving scientific knowledge about ...
Research Interests:
This paper reports on a novel empirical approach to capturing and analysing non-professional understanding of spatially related environmental issues. The technique, Geographic Information Systems for Participation (GIS-P), has been... more
This paper reports on a novel empirical approach to capturing and analysing non-professional understanding of spatially related environmental issues. The technique, Geographic Information Systems for Participation (GIS-P), has been developed in a Swedish International Development Agency (Sida) funded project and refined in an Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC)2 funded study to use community mapping exercises in British urban centres to produce spatial representations of local knowledge about air pollution and related problems.The paper outlines the technique, presents data from a three-city case study, and highlights important stages in the process of running GIS-P groups to illustrate the key points in the methodology. It then indicates how using spatial conceptions and representations in dealing with publics, and the (re) framing of the publics' ideas using GIS to present non-professional understanding, can contribute to not only the responsible local governance of air quality but also increased engagement between local government environmental scientists and publics.