COMMUNITY
This is hard to achieve if empirical data and scientific evidence are your only script . Instead , Dr Bowyer has found artistic endeavours are often better suited to raising awareness of the issues and stimulating involvement .
Through the use of song , murals , comic books , video , puppetry and theatre , there is an attuning of communications in ways that are more valid and relevant to people . In the process , scientists gain a deeper appreciation of the interconnected ( and , therefore , interdisciplinary ) nature of real-world problems and their consequences .
Dr Bowyer has a track record of successful engagements and some of the artistic outputs that result from her work will be showcased by the University of Portsmouth ’ s participation leading up to and during COP26 . Exhibitions will include a digital interface that will give people around the world opportunities to experience the art associated with this creative approach to science-backed change .
Interconnections
Dr Bowyer ’ s applied work is focused on air and plastics pollution , especially their health impacts among poorer communities . However , she says the approach is just as valid – and beneficial – within more affluent communities .
“ The power of creative communication methods is their ability to break down barriers between scientists – with their empirical , data-driven messaging – and the people they are trying to help .”
Her priority target is the one-billionstrong global population of urban poor living in informal settlements and slums . Her methods are especially valuable in attracting community involvement in a project , and then working with community champions to co-create outputs .
Take Dennis Waweru , one of Mukuru ’ s 500,000-plus population . Mr Waweru is a photographer and , like the rappers , he participates in research-driven initiatives to counter impacts from air pollution , plastics and the COVID-19 pandemic .
Mr Waweru ’ s photography starkly illustrates the reality of a settlement that is surrounded by polluting industries and which hosts a dumping site for garbage generated across the country , including from hospitals and industry . His photos are showcased in a video where he talks about the impact of this pollution on the health of his community .
The video has been uploaded to YouTube by the Stockholm Environment Institute . In it , Mr Waweru points out the chain reaction that pollution has on health and wellbeing , starting with children and the illness that prevents them attending school , with all the flow-on impacts this has on the rest of their lives . He notes how these circumstances are aggravated by a lack of sanitation and other basic civic infrastructure .
Of particular concern to him is the lack of clean energy to cook food since the settlement is reliant on charcoal and kerosene , which generate hazardous indoor pollution including airborne carcinogens . Action research has given Mr Waweru a voice through his photography and in 2018 he won the Mr Mukuru competition , which landed him the role of community ambassador .
“ Through co-production methods like digital storytelling , photodocumentary or theatre , we generate understanding about the actual lived consequences on someone ’ s life ,” says Dr Bowyer .
“ It ’ s that deeper connection and understanding that ultimately makes a difference .”
More information :
• www . youtube . com / watch ? v = AtH0-NreUxA & t = 69s
• www . youtube . com / watch ? v = NjetxTMHfaE
30 REVOLUTION PLASTICS / 2023