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Topic

Podcast as Policy Communicator: How Lived Experiences of Extreme Heat Events Inform Local Policy Conversations

School of Public Administration

Date & location

• Tuesday, April 15, 2025
• 1:30 P.M.
• Human & Social Development Building, Room A302

Examining Committee

Supervisory Committee

• Dr. Sarah Marie Wiebe, School of Public Administration, University of Victoria (Supervisor)
• Dr. Tamara Krawchenko, School of Public Administration, UVic (Member)

External Examiner

• Dr. Crystal Tremblay, Department of Geography, UVic

Chair of Oral Examination

• Dr. Feng Xu, Department of Political Science, UVic

Abstract

This study explores how the sharing of priority populations lived experiences of the 2021 heat dome in the Capital Regional District (CRD) may serve as a tool for climate change communication. It further explores how podcasting can be used as a communication tool for priority populations to share their lived experiences of the heat dome and contribute to policy listening. Priority populations, or those affected by extreme heat events, or EHEs, includes, but is not limited to, socially isolated seniors, those with perinatal lived experience, such as pregnant or nursing people, Indigenous people and newcomers to Canada. This project builds upon research that shows how these populations disproportionately experience the effects of climate change. This thesis argues that to make more equitable policy outcomes and solutions, integration of the perspectives and voices of priority populations into policy solutions and outcomes is essential. When not done, policies may be made that inadvertently oppress those who they wish to serve. Seven interview participants of from diverse priority populations shared their story for this study in a physical place of their choosing. These were recorded with the subsequent goal of producing a podcast of which the researcher is the lead producer to disseminate these interviews for wider reach, and to communicate with local policymakers and decision makers. Research findings indicate that policy and decision-makers must tailor communication efforts to the needs and perspectives of members of priority populations, and further, a sincere and honest effort is critical to build community between those who may be more privileged and those disproportionately affected by climate change.