Integrating DEIJ (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice) and Co-Design into Climate Change Engagement: A PLACCE (Plants and Climate Change Education) Conversation

Integrating DEIJ (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice) and Co-Design into Climate Change Engagement: A PLACCE (Plants and Climate Change Education) Conversation

Gregory Ira, Director, UC California Naturalist Program, Interim Lead for Statewide Programs & Institutes

Sarah-Mae Nelson, UC Climate Stewards Initiative Academic Coordinator

About this session: Climate change is a threat-multiplier, exacerbating intersecting challenges across diverse domains, especially when it comes to issues of climate and environmental justice. The California Naturalist Program believes the need to address DEIJ issues throughout society is urgent, necessary, and morally right. Climate change cannot be addressed without considering issues related to equity and inclusion. We cannot have true success in climate resilience without including all people throughout the planning, acting, and flourishing processes. Through our DEIJ Strategic Objective Framework (4 R’s: Relationships, Relevance, Reducing Barriers, and Responsibility) and Co-design Process, we work with our partners to tailor course content and delivery so that it will be more relevant to the local environmental conditions where the course is delivered, and the cultural preferences, needs, and priorities of the audience being reached. Climate Stewards is also working with other states on a process whereby they can adopt the curriculum, adapt it to regional (e.g., Northwest, Great Lakes, Southeast, Gulf Coast) conditions, and continue with a very localized co-design process.

About PLACCE Conversations: PLACCE (Plants and Climate Change Education) is a peer learning group exploring how botanic gardens and arboreta can maximize the impact of a plant-centered climate change education niche. We are dedicated to learning together; creating and testing plant-centered climate change education models; and sharing new understandings, resources, and best practices across the public gardens community. PLACCE Conversations are online professional development opportunities open to education professionals from botanic gardens and arboreta interested in plant-centered climate change education. For more information about PLACCE, visit: https://usbg.gov/PlantsAndClimateChangeEducation