Using Tree Planting Projects to Communicate about Climate Change Scholarship

This on-the-ground science communication design project connects tree planting sites with a deeper understanding of carbon mitigation.

This unique project is one of two Master’s scholarships that have been funded in order to develop an interdisciplinary response, covering science, science communication, design and community engagement. It is supported by Te Punaha Matatini, a Centre of Research Excellence.

The Master’s projects will collaboratively research, develop and design a tree planting site (as a proof of concept pilot project) that engages visitors about climate mitigation as well as ecology. In line with a design approach, the specific outputs are not predetermined, and could include elements such as a custom-designed tree planting area; signage integrated across a tree planting location (that contains different species and plantings of different ages and stages); and/or other lateral design responses that help communicate the issues/solutions, both on-site or more widely.

This inherently interdisciplinary project has relevance to biodiversity, climate economics, matauranga Maori, social justice, design and science communication. It will require an understanding of science (tree ecology, ecosystems, carbon cycle), design (design of spaces, community use and engagement), and climate communication (appropriate messaging, audience engagement, politics of communication). This as an exploratory pilot project: while it carries expectations around an on-the-ground experience in-situ, the intention is that the outcomes go beyond that into something that is, or may become, a reusable tool.