Department or Program

Environmental Studies

Abstract

As the Earth continues to warm, Maine will undergo many environmental shifts, impacting the livelihoods and safety of people living within the state. The Lewiston-Auburn (L/A) region faces unique challenges as the area adapts to the effects of climate change. The increased risk of disasters, soil erosion, and threats to local ecosystems are key issues that impact the region. Despite the expansion of municipal and state-level planning, there is a limited understanding of what resilience-enhancing actions are being undertaken by local actors, including by municipalities, regional bodies, and community organizations. The primary purpose of this community-engaged research is to systematically track adaptation and mitigation actions by local actors with the ultimate goal of better understanding climate actions across L/A. In the research, while incorporating food justice and agriculture, we will discuss organizations that deal directly with soil and water characteristics and quality. Partnering with the Good Food Council of L/A and the Androscoggin Valley Council of Governments, this project aims to answer the overarching question: How are local actors across the L/A region and broader Androscoggin Valley responding to adverse climate conditions/risks? The methodology involves distributing a comprehensive questionnaire to collect both qualitative and quantitative data. Responses were used to produce a network analysis map, emphasizing the importance of community voices to address critical gaps in regional climate action.

Level of Access

Restricted: Campus/Bates Community Only Access

First Advisor

Jamie Haverkamp

Second Advisor

Justin Baumann

Date of Graduation

5-2026

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts

Number of Pages

104

Community Engagement

1

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