Author: Jacqueline Bailao Lopes
Date: August 26, 2026
Article Title:
Engaging Communities in Adaptation to Climate Change by Understanding the Dimensions of Social Capital in Atlantic Canada
Article Affiliation:
Department of Biological Sciences, Brock University
School of Environment, University of Guelph
Département de Sociétés, Territories et Développement, Université du Québec à Rimouski
Article Citation:
Vasseur, L., Thornbush, M. J., & Plante, S. (2022). Engaging Communities in Adaptation to Climate Change by Understanding the Dimensions of Social Capital in Atlantic Canada. Sustainability, 14(9), 5250. https://doi.org/10.3390/su14095250
INTRODUCTION
Atlantic Canada is composed of coastal zones that have important ecosystems with rich natural resources and many communities established for many decades. Those areas are influenced by dynamic processes and systems that are affected by climate change. Climate change can bring serious consequences for the natural resources present, for all groups of wildlife, humans, and communities.
There are a lot of people living in coastal areas in Canada; in some cases, more than 50% of the population is settled in that kind of environment. So, the researchers related in this paper, “Engaging Communities in Adaptation to Climate Change by Understanding the Dimensions of Social Capital in Atlantic Canada”, investigated the relationship and roles between social groups in those coastal human communities, and how “capital social” can influence their capacity to respond and adapt to climate change, and face extreme weather events. Through social capital, the researchers consider that communities can realize how it can increase awareness, resilience, and public participation.
For that investigation, three elements of social capital (social trust, institutional trust, and social networks) were taken to create questions linked to relationships, volunteering, networking, and assessment of action. From these questions, the researchers conducted interviews in 10 rural coastal communities located in three Canadian provinces (Quebec, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island).
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
The results show that these communities have strong social connections, mainly because people trust each other. However, when they think about institutions, especially the government, they are unsure on some points, and they can feel alone when making decisions about how to deal with climate change.
This study shows that it is hard to manage decisions across different levels of government. Coastal communities usually trust people in their own community before trusting the government. Some people feel excluded by government decisions, or are not satisfied. They believe that action should be taken before a major climate event happens, supported by a permanent and consistent relationship with climate mitigation.
Communities need to be involved in decisions, and this works best when strong relationships already exist. Good communication between communities and governments can help support this. Sharing knowledge is also important. It should help fix misunderstandings and bring people together. Decision-makers should support activities that build trust and encourage people to work together, especially during emergencies.
CONCLUSION
A strong social capital can empower coastal community members by building on their knowledge, creativity, and resilience, and help them overcome critical climate events. While people may trust each other, low trust in institutions can make things more difficult. Being open and transparent can help build trust in institutions. Community involvement is easier when people trust each other and organizations. Overall, strong social connections and community understanding can lead to better participation and more successful climate change solutions.
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