Abstract
The exploration of the interaction between nature and society is not new;
anthropologists have been interested in this relationship for many years. However, there
is a facet of this relationship that is only starting to be investigated by environmental
anthropologists – that of climate change. Although not always framed as such, climate
change is an example of an issue that crosses the boundaries both within, and
between, different disciplines. Anthropologists specifically have a great deal to
contribute to the discourse of this massive societal challenge. One such contribution is
through the investigation into people’s local narratives and perceptions of a changing
climate. This dissertation, inspired by the approach of multi-sited ethnography, conducts
a place-based study in the Rhenosterspruit area of Johannesburg with two contrasting
communities to explore community members’ narratives and perceptions of a changing
climate and water. Water is a focus within this research as it is a mechanism through
which people are able to ‘experience climate’. The ways in which individuals value
nature was observed to influence how climate change was perceived. The findings of
this dissertation could be useful to organisations attempting to implement adaptation or
mitigation strategies at a local level. A thorough understanding of people’s perceptions
of climate change would help such organisations design and introduce initiatives more
suitable to local communities, and thus experience a greater measure of success in the
long term.
M.A. (Anthropology)