Bridging Climate Justice and Research through Film: Elevation-Dependent Warming in the Cordillera Blanca and Global Engagement for Vulnerable Mountain Communities

Funding disclosure: NASA Massachusetts Space Grant Consortium, Adrian Tinsley Program, Bridgewater State University Undergraduate Research, Bridgewater State University Geography Department

Abstract

This collaborative project merges scientific research and public outreach to address the critical issue of elevation-dependent warming (EDW) in the Cordillera Blanca of Peru, with global implications for climate justice. EDW, driven by climate change, threatens mountain ecosystems, water resources, and the livelihoods of local communities. To confront these challenges, students from Bridgewater State University (BSU) and Universidad Nacional Santiago Antúnez de Mayolo (UNASAM) engaged in fieldwork and data collection using affordable Lascar sensors to monitor temperature, humidity, and dew point trends in high-elevation valleys, while leveraging a 20-year climate record. Their efforts uncovered significant warming trends linked to glacial melting and hydrological hazards. In parallel, a media-driven campaign was launched by a BSU Public Relations student, who accompanied the research team to document the work through film. The project promotes global engagement, aiming to raise awareness of climate justice for underserved and hard-to-reach mountain communities in Peru. By fostering international collaboration and dialogue, this initiative seeks to inspire action and enhance understanding of climate vulnerabilities faced by mountain populations, particularly in areas where research and funding are scarce. Through presentations, workshops, interviews, and shared content between BSU and UNASAM students, this project serves as a catalyst for advancing climate resilience strategies. It highlights the necessity of integrating scientific research with public communication to amplify the voices of underrepresented communities and promote global engagement toward sustainable, equitable solutions for mountain regions around the world.