“What we often find out is that in many places people are facing the same kinds of problems, so there is an ability to problem solve with one another.”

Dr. Corrine Cash is a Senior Program Staff at Coady Institute, and facilitates the Bachelor of Arts and Science in Climate and Environment program at St. Francis Xavier University.

“I’ve always been an environmentalist and I’ve always worked volunteering in some capacity for the environment,” Corrine says.

With a PhD in Planning, and a Master’s Degree in Environmental Studies, Corrine’s work focuses on environment, climate change, urban issues, and social equity. She is currently conducting research on how people who live in informal settlements in coastal cities are adapting to the impacts of climate change.

“We are seeing extreme changes around the world because of climate, and I am particularly interested in the impact that this has on people, on human rights, and on social equity.

“[At Coady], we really look at climate change from a human rights perspective, but we start the course with basic science because I believe that we have to know the evidence, we have to understand the science, in order to make actionable plans and to be able to really understand the issue.”

Corrine says that one of the benefits of learning about climate change through Coady’s unique participant-focused, participatory approach is the opportunity to learn from the experience and expertise of peers experiencing impacts of climate change in all corners of the globe.

“We will talk about what’s happening in everyone’s own country,” Corrine says. “Are people seeing increased flooding? Are there increased intensity of typhoons? How is agriculture being impacted?

“What we often find out is that in many places people are facing the same kinds of problems, so there is an ability to problem solve with one another.”

Corrine says that adaptation is a primary focus in the Coady classroom, which is often comprised of participants from developing nations – namely, the Global South.

“…because they haven’t caused the problems of the greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, but they’re going to be the most impacted.”

To learn more or apply, visit coady.stfx.ca/education or one of the course links below.

Community-led Action in a Changing Climate

Building Resilient Communities

Learn more about International Development Week and the Sustainable Development Goals. #GoForTheGoals