A Hot Topic Podcast

Addressing Heat Vulnerability in the Capital Regional District (CRD)

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14288/bcs.no230.200948

Abstract

This project explores how sharing the lived experiences from the 2021 heat dome in the Capital Regional District (CRD) of British Columbia may serve as a tool for climate change communication. It examines how podcasting can be used as a communication tool of “policy listening.” This involves connecting priority populations and community service providers to share their lived experiences of the 2021 BC heat dome. It prioritizes listening to the stories of those disproportionately affected by the 2021 heat dome and enabling these stories to inform policy-making. This podcast accompanies a larger research project called A Hot Topic, as elaborated further in this issue. For our podcast, priority populations, or those disproportionately affected by extreme heat events (EHEs), include but are not limited to: socially isolated seniors, those with perinatal lived experience, such as pregnant or nursing people, Indigenous people, people who live in a rural location, those who take medication that may make them sensitive to extreme heat, people who are unhoused or precariously housed, and community service providers who may support any of these populations. We argue that to make more equitable policy outcomes and solutions, integration of the perspectives and voices of priority populations into policy development is essential. Podcasting is one platform to enhance policy conversations about extreme weather events so that policies do not inadvertently oppress those they are meant to serve. This research-informed podcast draws upon conversations with six participants from diverse priority populations, who shared their stories about extreme heat. To create more equitable policy outcomes, our findings indicate that policy- and decision-makers must tailor communication efforts to the needs and perspectives of members of priority populations, and there must be a sincere and honest effort to build community between those who are disproportionately affected, and those who have the capacity to provide support to these populations.

Additional episodes of A Hot Topic podcast can be found here: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/a-hot-topic-addressing-heat-vulnerability-in/id1821551561

 

 

 

Author Biographies

Erica Dolman, University of Victoria

Erica Dolman is the program coordinator for the Coastal Climate Solutions Leaders (CCSL) program at the University of Victoria. She holds a master of public administration from the University of Victoria and a bachelor of arts in political science from the University of British Columbia. Her research interests include climate change communication, public policy, knowledge mobilization, and public engagement. Her master’s research examined the use of podcasting as a tool to amplify the lived experiences of populations disproportionately affected by extreme heat and to foster more inclusive climate policy conversations. Through her work at CCSL, Erica supports interdisciplinary graduate training and collaboration to prepare the next generation of climate leaders.

Kirsten Mah, Capital Regional District, Healthy Communities Network, British Columbia

Kirsten Mah grew up on Treaty 6 and Treaty 7 territory in Red Deer, Alberta, under the shadow of the Northern Alberta oil sands. She learned first-hand the tension that arises for many residents between their understanding and commitment to planetary health and their economic realities. She works for the Capital Regional District as a community health planner. In this role she supports the region’s Community Health Network, which strives to create healthy, holistic communities through research and partnership. She holds a master of public and international affairs from the University of Ottawa. She has worked in social and health sectors across Canada and internationally where she has learned the importance of equitable approaches to research and service delivery. 

Sarah Wiebe, University of Victoria

Sarah Marie Wiebe is an associate professor in the School of Public Administration at the University of Victoria. Her research expertise includes democratic engagement and deliberative policy analysis, climate and environmental justice, and community-engaged research. She is a co-founder of FERN (Feminist Environmental Research Network) and author of several books, including most recently Hot Mess: Mothering Through a Code Red Climate Emergency.

Gay Pride and Trans-coloured ovoids and spheres flutter across a rainbow backdrop.

Downloads

Additional Files

Published

19-08-2026

How to Cite

Dolman, E., Mah, K., & Wiebe, S. (2026). A Hot Topic Podcast: Addressing Heat Vulnerability in the Capital Regional District (CRD). BC Studies: The British Columbian Quarterly, (230), 85–92. https://doi.org/10.14288/bcs.no230.200948

Issue

No. 230 (2026): Summer

Section

Podcasts & New Media