Insoo Steven Chung
The Potential of Online Map-Based Discussion to Engage Residents in Local Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation 漏 2009
The potential of a Web-based Public Participation Geographic Information System (PPGIS) for public engagement in climate change was evaluated. The City of Toronto鈥檚 鈥淟ive Green Toronto鈥� program integrates the ArgooMap tool in the 鈥淪ustainability Map鈥� to enable stakeholders and the general public to collaborate on adaptation and mitigation strategies. Interviews were conducted with 鈥渃ommunity animators鈥� and program staff to identify potential benefits of spatially referenced discussion and answer questions related to envisioned map use, planned integration process, and long-term viability. The responses from the interviews were overwhelmingly positive for the tool鈥檚 utility in the Live Green Toronto program, highlighting better organization of information, resource management, and communication. However, difficulties remain in terms of adequately measuring real greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions, and management of map use and content. The discussions identify and analyze the functional needs of stakeholder groups, integration of the ArgooMap in the climate change strategy, perspectives on participation, and long-term viability.