Gail Hochachka

I support greater climate action through research, consulting, and coaching on climate change communications that are connected with what is most meaningful to people.

I do social science research on what climate change means to people—from within their own sense of identity, values and worldviews—so to better support public engagement with climate change. The technologies for developing low-carbon societies are not the key barriers to climate action; rather, it is the lack of a sufficient social mandate to support the use of such technologies and to inspire the political will for such transformative change. I have facilitated deliberative dialogues across positions and perspectives in polarized social spaces on the climate issue, and yet have found that shared meaning is indeed possible. From shared meaning, will come a sustainable future.

This website shares current publications and research, ongoing projects, and consulting services. Get in contact; I am always looking for good ideas, new perspectives, and more collaborators to further effective climate action.

_{Photo credit: Eugene Pustoshkin}

A meaningful side-project in support of future generations is the help I offer the Climate Club that was founded by University Hill Elementary school students, and now consist of a mix of both elementary- and high-school children and youth in Vancouver. The Climate Club is a space for education, projects, and climate action, all from the perspective of our youngest generation to whom the future belongs.

Watch this space for updates from the kids themselves!

_{Art credit: Anya Simpson}

I am climate change researcher who is intrigued by the human dimensions of this complex issue.

With an extensive background in sustainable development, along with current social science research in climate change, I have explored how we might manifest a more sustainable world, one that is diverse, just, and thriving.

This experience has shown me that global environmental issues require responses that are commensurate with such complexity. To that end, I have sought to understand root causes, to find truly transdisciplinary approaches, and to experiment with them in real-world settings. Many of the countries I have worked are post-conflict regions; most have experienced high degree of ecological degradation; all are woven by globalization, for better or for worse.

Although many problems remain unsolved, I am buoyed up by the presence of the tools we need to address global sustainability as well as a global compass set on carbon emissions reductions with international buy-in and clear timelines. In my opinion, the challenge ahead is more a matter of integrating such tools, targets, and commitments into a comprehensive response. Towards that end, I draw on my work experience in nonprofits and academia as well as skills in teaching, facilitation, writing, and project design and coordination.

I believe the way forward will need collaboration and partnerships with people coming from different perspectives, so get in contact if this is your thing, and let’s create collective impact together.

+1 (604) 445-7268

gail.hochachka@ubc.ca

Vancouver, BC, Canada

Photo: University of Oslo AdaptationCONNECTS team, research retreat Germany, Fall 2017