Impact and Utility of the Alberta Narratives Project

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2020-08
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Abstract
Alberta’s economy heavily relies on the traditional extraction of fossil fuels, which makes discussing their role in anthropogenic climate change intensely polarizing. The Alberta Narratives Project (ANP) represents the work of Alberta environmental non-government organizations to create a narrative connection between the general public, science, and policy makers. My Capstone aims to answer how effective the language and delivery of the ANP were at creating positive discussions surrounding energy, behaviour change (on the individual level), and overall environmental impact. Interviews provided the basis for an online survey of 365 individuals. Participants found their communications capacities increased and felt confident talking about climate change and energy in Alberta. However, participants also felt unsupported by their employers and facilitators, particularly with respect to follow-up. The ANP created more confident, informed climate science communicators close to the project, but to reach the public with the ANP, ENGOs need to offer more long-term support.
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Andrews, S. (2020). Impact and Utility of the Alberta Narratives Project (Unpublished master's project). University of Calgary, Calgary, AB.