Autonomy, Affect, and Reframing: Unpacking the Data Practices of Grassroots Climate Justice Activists

Though not often considered primary users or creators of climate change data, grassroots climate activism is increasingly data driven. This study looks at the ways in which grassroots climate justice groups engage with data to further their goals. The authors employ a qualitative research design rooted in reflexive thematic analysis for this project, with methods including a series of semi-structured interviews and an analysis of digital content produced by grassroots climate justice groups. We identify five distinct functions of data which support the work of local climate activists. These functions highlight how engagement with data in this context is intertwined with autonomy, affect and the reframing of what counts as climate data and expertise. This study contributes to further understanding of the relationship between grassroots climate justice groups and data practices, highlights barriers groups face with data engagement, and offers recommendations for HCI to further support local climate action.