Rising Voices 4 (2016)

Storytelling for Solutions

The Rising Voices 4 workshop, in partnership with PRiMO IKE Hui, was held on the Big Island, Hawaii, 6-8 July, 2016.

Through group discussions and local field trips, we explore storytelling as a powerful conduit of knowledge among Indigenous and other scientific arenas, and across generations. The location of the gathering on Hawai'i Island is significant, as it plays a central role in atmospheric science, from measurements generated at several sites, and is home to local communities using place based knowledge and traditional practice to create modern day solutions to issues related to climate change.

• What are the shared elements of communication of science and traditional narratives, and what can they learn from each other?
• How does sharing stories (whether scientific or Indigenous) help illustrate the differences and similarities among diverse knowledge systems?
• How can storytelling foster collaborations for climate solutions among people with various technical and traditional perspectives, approaches, and objectives?

The workshop works towards several outcomes: reflect on principles of effective storytelling and science communication; identify core research ideas for project and program proposals; contribute to the U.S. National Climate Assessment 4 process; and compile recommendations for COP22 in Morocco.