1. Bridging the COSMOS: How the Inclusion of and Collaboration with Faith-Based Understandings and Indigenous Knowledges Can Transform the Weather, Water, and Climate Enterprise
- Author
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Martinez, Carlos J., Das, Debanjana, Bloomfield, Emma Frances, Abraham, James D., Knox, John A., Simmonds, Ricardo, Hilderbrand, Douglas C., Giovannettone, Jason, Gouw, Arvin M., and RoyChowdhury, Abhishek
- Subjects
Traditional knowledge -- Religious aspects -- Social aspects ,Weather forecasting -- Religious aspects -- Social aspects ,Water -- Management ,Knowledge management -- Religious aspects -- Social aspects ,Knowledge management ,Business ,Earth sciences ,American Meteorological Society -- Religious aspects -- Social aspects - Abstract
Climate change is a global existential threat with far-reaching implications for natural ecosystems, biodiversity, and human societies. Adapting to and mitigating climate change require global cooperation and participation from all mindsets and belief systems, including the traditionally western weather, water, and climate enterprise (WWCE), faith-based understandings (FBUs), and Indigenous Knowledges (IKs). Epistemological differences and language barriers between knowledges and the historical marginalization and exploitation of IKs by western ideologies and some FBUs make coproduction and relationship building challenging. Acknowledging their historical tensions and distinctions, there is meaningful overlap between the WWCE, FBUs, and IKs on environmental stewardship, justice, and mental health. This article highlights three themes at the intersection of FBUs, IKs, and environmentalism: 1) increasing faith- based and Indigenous community resilience to weather extremes; 2) developing kindergarten through grade 12 (K-12) and collegiate weather, water, and climate education that weaves FBUs and IKs; and 3) increasing communication flows between weather, water, and climate science, and faith-based and Indigenous communities. These initiatives aim to foster relationships and trust between the WWCE, faith-based, and Indigenous communities; transform the WWCE into a multiknowledge enterprise; and promote a climate-resilient society. The American Meteorological Society's Committee on Spirituality, Multifaith Outreach, and Science (COSMOS) plays a pivotal role in facilitating dialogue and collaboration on these themes while acknowledging distinctions and historical tensions between FBUs, IKs, and the WWCE. Collaborative efforts between the WWCE, faith- based, and Indigenous communities hold immense potential for addressing climate challenges, fostering resilience, and building a more inclusive and sustainable future grounded in mutual respect and understanding. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: This article addresses how weaving faith-based understandings (FBUs) and Indigenous Knowledges (IKs) into the weather, water, and climate enterprise (WWCE) can effectively tackle climate change, extreme weather, and other environmental challenges. Emphasizing the need for a shift in mindset and community dialogue, the path to adaptation begins with raising awareness and fostering discussions that bridge science and societal values. This includes acknowledging the historical tensions that exist between FBUs, IKs, and western science and being honest about the challenges and distinctions that arise from these tensions. Through partnerships highlighted between the American Meteorological Society (AMS), Indigenous groups, and multifaith organizations, we see practical outcomes: enhanced weather preparedness, improved mental well-being, holistic environmental solutions, and informed policymaking. These collaborations are crucial for building a resilient and sustainable future by connecting community strengths through a multiknowledge scientific and cultural approach. KEYWORDS: Climate change; Adaptation; Communications/ decision making; Education; Indigenous knowledge; Resilience, 1. Introduction Our changing climate presents an urgent, global, and existential threat with profound implications for natural ecosystems, biodiversity, and human societies worldwide (IPCC 2022). The urgent need to confront [...]
- Published
- 2024
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