We present a meta-analysis of climate change-related articles and content in the Journal of the Community Development Society over the course of 55 years of publication. Specifically, our objective is to shed light on the scholarly and research focus of various climate-related articles, the theoretical connection of climate change and community development, and the gaps in the content, specifically focused on praxis related to climate justice. The goal is to inform the CDS of contemporary scholarship on the topic of climate change and suggest how the Society can better address this most critical issue facing communities.
Our topic relates to the Innovative Pathways to Thriving Communities theme as well as the sub-theme of People-Driven Solutions in that our analysis highlights the role of communities, be they communities of place, interest and/or identity, in confronting the challenges of climate change, as well as climate adaptation, mitigation, and resiliency strategies. Climate change remains a dangerously consequential issue affecting communities now and in the future. In fact, most scientists and scholars warn climate change is the definitive issue facing humanity. It is incumbent on community development scholars and practitioners to have a clear understanding of how this issue has been represented in the literature base of our journal in terms of theory and practice and how this scholarship can in turn influence communities. By presenting our meta-analysis of climate change scholarship within the Journal of the Community Development Society, we hope to highlight the critical role that individuals and coalitions can play as community members driving innovative climate solutions. We plan to suggest areas for future research and scholarship through a new
Current Issues Series publication focused on our review of the climate change-related articles and content with the drafting of several chapters in this synthesis issue. We also intend to follow with an additional meta-analysis on the topic of Sustainability broadly and/or the Sustainable Development Goals more specifically for an additional future issue. Our ultimate intent is to shed more light on the inclusive practices that empower diverse voices, particularly those who are most vulnerable to the impacts of a changing climate.
