The social impact of climate change

Climate change has been described as a ‘super wicked problem’, requiring immediate and unified action.

Dimensions of complexity are multiplied when we consider that climate impacts will intersect every aspect of our lives and therefore, other issues we care about and want to solve.

The UN has labelled climate change as a threat multiplier, although it can be argued that threat extends far beyond security and into our social environments.

In this presentation, Dr. Nic Badullovich makes the case that climate change is a multidimensional threat to not just the physical world, but the social world. We also explore what can be done about the issue, especially from a communication and engagement point of view.

Key points

• Climate change is a major threat not just to the physical environment but the social environment.
• Many climate change impacts are interconnected, thereby affecting many social issues directly and indirectly.
• Climate impacts will be felt across issues like public health, mental health, homelessness and others.
• Factoring climate risk and impacts into social impact initiatives will be to success in a future with a changing climate.
• Social impact professionals are positioned as potentially impactful and trusted climate communicators and advocates.
• Social impact professionals will also be critical in designing and evaluating initiatives that will improve people’s lives, especially as the climate continues to change.

Speaker

Dr. Nic Badullovich

Dr Nic Badullovich is a social scientist and Research Fellow at the Centre for Social Impact UWA. Nic's work focuses on science and climate change communication, which involves partnering with organisations, and employing quantitative and qualitative methods to ensure research delivers practical and social impact.