In a study featured in Nature Climate Change, a team of social work and public health researchers led by PI Dr. Samantha C. Winter embarked on a mission to shift how extreme weather events (EWEs) are defined and responded to. Conducted in Nairobi’s informal settlements of Kibera and Mathare, our research emphasizes the real-world impacts of climate extremes on some of the most vulnerable communities and, ironically, those who contribute least to climate change.
What We Did
Our study employed a longitudinal, mixed methods research design, collecting data from September 2022 through February 2023. We focused on a probability sample of 800 women living in the informal settlements of Kibera and Mathare in Nairobi. Every month, 16 local community data collectors, with a caseload of 50 participants each, gathered data through household-level surveys, which allowed us to capture a detailed account of how extreme weather events impact participants’ lives in real-time. Our approach combined national meteorological data with participants’ self-reported experiences to assess the adequacy of current weather thresholds to capture women’s experiences and to develop new, impact-based thresholds.The outcomes of this research are revealing and impactful. We found that the existing meteorological thresholds do not effectively capture the actual impacts of extreme weather on these communities. Women reported significant disruptions from events not classified as extreme by current standards, indicating a critical need for our new, community-informed, impact-based thresholds.
Why We Focus on Women in Informal Settlements
In these densely populated areas lacking robust infrastructure, women play a crucial role. They often bear the brunt of climate impacts and are the first to respond within their households during extreme weather, managing immediate and long-term challenges affecting health, safety, and economic stability. Understanding their experiences gives us invaluable insights into broader community vulnerabilities and resilience strategies.
Redefining Extreme Weather Events Through Community Insights
Traditionally, EWEs are defined by stark deviations from average weather patterns, often gauged through raw meteorological data and based on experiences of general populations, often skewed towards easy-to-reach populations or high- and middle-income households. However, we argue that the true measure of an extreme event should be based on its tangible impacts on experiences of people living in communities who are hardest hit by climate change and are least equipped to adapt. This approach pushes us to rethink what constitutes an ‘extreme’ event, making our understanding more nuanced, practically relevant, and equitable.
The Unique Role of Social Workers and Social Justice in Climate Science
It might seem unusual to find social workers and social justice-focused community members leading a climate science study. Yet, our commitment to ethical practices and community engagement uniquely positions us to contribute to climate science. In this study, our social work values—empathy, ethics, and a focus on amplifying community voices—have profoundly enriched the research process, ensuring the results are scientifically sound, socially informed, and ethically conducted.
Embracing Community-Based Participatory Research
This study is a prime example of community-based participatory research done right. The residents of Kibera and Mathare were not just participants in our study; they were active partners in shaping the research agenda. From an active Community Collaborative Board and regular engagement with key stakeholders to the employment of community data collectors and co-analysts, this approach ensured the data we collected reflected real challenges and helped build trust and ownership among community members, leading to more sustainable outcomes.
Impact-Based Thresholds: Changing How We Prepare for Weather Extremes
Our study introduced “impact-based thresholds” to better define and respond to EWEs based on their actual impacts on lives in a local context. This innovative approach advocates for a shift in formulating early warnings and preparedness strategies, highlighting the adaptability and forward-thinking we bring to cross-disciplinary challenges.
Expanding Our Impact: Implications for Policy and Social Work Practice
The implications of our findings reach far beyond the specifics of the study. For the field of social work and justice, it presents an opportunity to blend scientific methods with our foundational practices in community engagement, creating a robust model for addressing complex global issues like climate change. For policymakers, our research is a call to action to rethink climate adaptation strategies to be more inclusive, equitable, and responsive.
Setting a New Standard in Climate Research
Our study challenges conventional methods of conducting environmental research and climate science, promoting new inclusivity and ethical rigor standards. By engaging directly with those affected, not merely as participants but as co-creators, we aim to ensure that our solutions are effective, equitable, and just.
Conclusion: Leading with Integrity and Innovation
Our research underscores social workers’ and community members’ critical roles in leading complex research initiatives that require a deep understanding of human relationships and community dynamics. By prioritizing high ethical standards and community voices, we contribute to the scientific community and reinforce social work’s and communities’ vital role in solving some of the world’s most pressing challenges.
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