Experiential Dimensions of Climate Change in Yucatán, Mexico

Lisa Breglia, PhD George Mason University

 
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Oral Histories

Oral history highlights the social, cultural, and even personal dimensions of how climate change is both perceived and understood. It is a valid research method for documenting change over time and the impact of intersecting phenomena on peoples’ lives. Here, farmers, beekeepers and members of their families vividly recount generations of experience working closely with the natural environment.

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Background

Understand Pisté as a Yucatec Maya community and the intersection of climate change with tourism development in this crossroads of Maya cultural heritage.

“Mexico is highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Socioeconomic and ecological trends, including the urbanization phenomena and pressures on natural resources due to economic and population growth, suggest that under a business as usual scenario the climate risk will compound other social and economic problems in the country.”

UN Social and Economic Survey, 2016

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Research Questions

Understand the guiding questions motivating this community-engaged, qualitative research project.

Communities experience climate change in the context of their history and culture.