Doing research with communities affected by climate change: Climate-conscious methodologies matrix (for researchers and ethic reviewers)
ModulesDoing research with communities affected by climate change: Climate-conscious methodologies matrix (for researchers and ethic reviewers)
This micromodule focuses on the intersection of climate justice, community collaboration, and citizen science in research and innovation. Participants will use conversation cards inspired by Valeria Berseth and Angeline Letourneau's (2024) responsible research framework for ‘climate change-conscious methodologies. Applying these concepts to practical scenarios, the module encourages reflection on research methodologies that prioritize affected communities, foster fairness, and address shifting vulnerabilities in climate-related challenges.
By the end of this module, you should be able to:
Evaluate different approaches to research design in terms of fairness, inclusivity, and responsiveness to underrepresented communities.
Apply responsible research methods in citizen science or community engagement in climate-affected contexts.Introduction to the climate-conscious methodology matrix
Please go through the PowerPoint presentation
Mini quiz (climate-conscious methodology matrix)
Please complete the multiple answers mini quiz
Conversation cards
What is it about?
This matrix helps researchers, students, and citizen scientists make ethical and responsible decisions in research. It is especially useful when working with climate-related impacts (such as floods, heatwaves, or droughts), with vulnerable or affected communities.
The tool encourages you to ask good questions throughout all stages of your research (from the early design to communication of results) and helps you adapt your methods while keeping fairness, safety, and community needs at the centre.
Why is this important?
In a changing climate, traditional research methods may not work or may cause harm. Communities may be under stress. Researchers may face risks. By using the matrix, you can:
- Stay flexible, but still do high-quality research
- Respect local people and ecosystems
- Build trust through careful planning and honest communication
- Support climate justice by including affected voices in all stages of research
Card Deck - for researchers and ethic reviewers (Research design)
Use you own research to reflect on the cards questions
OR use the
CASE STUDY EXAMPLE:
"Rebuilding with Dignity: Participatory Research in a Flooded Neighbourhood"
Context:
In the aftermath of devastating flash floods in the peri-urban district of Las Marismas, located on the low-lying outskirts of a Mediterranean city, a European research consortium initiates a climate adaptation project. The floods displaced over 1,500 residents, disproportionately affecting undocumented migrants, single mothers, and elderly locals who had settled in informal housing near riverbeds. Many residents feel abandoned by local authorities and express mistrust toward institutions, citing past experiences with extractive research and failed development promises.
The research project, funded under the EU’s Green Deal programme, aims to co-develop low-cost, community-led solutions for urban flood resilience. It includes both social and infrastructural components, such as local early-warning systems, nature-based stormwater management, and inclusive governance models. The research team comprises environmental engineers, social scientists, public health researchers, and local facilitators.
Imagine you are part of the team involved in this research. Your task is to use the cards to anticipate and address potential ethical and methodological challenges throughout the project.
For each card, use the scenario to:
- Reflect on how the question applies in this setting.
- Identify possible tensions or risks (e.g., exclusion, harm, extractivism).
- Propose a climate-just, community-informed course of action.
Card Deck - for researchers and ethic reviewers (Research design)
Card Deck - for researchers and ethic reviewers (Assessment + Measurement strategies)
Use you own research to reflect on the cards questions
OR use the scenario described above to:
- Reflect on how the question applies in this setting.
- Identify possible tensions or risks (e.g., exclusion, harm, extractivism).
- Propose a climate-just, community-informed course of action.
Card Deck - for researchers and ethic reviewers (Data evaluation and interpretation)
Use you own research to reflect on the cards questions
OR use the scenario described above to:
- Reflect on how the question applies in this setting.
- Identify possible tensions or risks (e.g., exclusion, harm, extractivism).
- Propose a climate-just, community-informed course of action.
Card Deck - for researchers and ethic reviewers (Ethical issues and scientific integrity)
Use you own research to reflect on the cards questions
OR use the scenario described above to:
- Reflect on how the question applies in this setting.
- Identify possible tensions or risks (e.g., exclusion, harm, extractivism).
Card Deck - for researchers and ethic reviewers (Communication of research findings)
Use you own research to reflect on the cards questions
OR use the scenario described above to:
- Reflect on how the question applies in this setting.
- Identify possible tensions or risks (e.g., exclusion, harm, extractivism).
- Propose a climate-just, community-informed course of action.
