By William Crooks
Local Journalism Initiative
A new initiative is taking root in Estrie, tackling the complex challenges climate change presents to local communities, especially for those already experiencing social vulnerabilities. This project, led by Michèle Laberge, Coordonnatrice Transition socioclimatique at Inter-CDC Estrie, brings together all nine Centres de Développement Communautaire (CDCs) in Estrie. With financial support from the Table nationale des CDC, the initiative aims to strengthen regional resilience to environmental crises through collaboration and social justice.
Laberge, who recently took on this coordination role, emphasizes the initiative’s unique focus on the social impacts of climate issues. “It’s about addressing the social crisis within the climate crisis,” she explained in a recent interview. “We want to ensure that community organizations are not only aware of but are also prepared for the roles they can play in socio-climatic transition, especially concerning our most vulnerable populations.”
The urgency of the project stems from Estrie’s exposure to various climate risks. Unlike other regions, where wildfires might be a more immediate concern, Estrie’s communities are primarily affected by extreme heat and flooding. These events disproportionately impact individuals with limited resources, particularly those in inadequate housing or flood-prone areas. Laberge noted that different crises affect specific groups in unique ways, making it essential to identify which residents are most at risk. “Heatwaves and flood zones often impact people who don’t have the means for adequate housing, including seniors and those facing precarious living conditions,” she said.
The project’s first steps include mapping out these vulnerable areas in Estrie to provide a clearer picture of where resources are most needed. By identifying and highlighting these “fragile zones,” Laberge hopes to build community awareness and spur preventive actions. “It’s about shedding light on the areas at risk and thinking together about how we, as a society, can support those living in these vulnerable conditions,” she added. For example, during flood events, those lacking a robust support network may face prolonged displacement due to the absence of family or friends who can offer shelter.
