Hi there!
My name is Brooklyn Rushton.
I am a dedicated systems thinker, focused on discovering transformative, community-centred solutions to society’s most pressing sustainability challenges. With a diverse background in wildlife conservation, regenerative tourism, strategic planning, and climate change adaptation, I am to combine academic insight with practical application.
I hold a Master’s degree in Climate Change from the University of Waterloo and am currently working on completing a PhD at Wilfrid Laurier University, focused on regenerative tourism transformations in Canada’s mountain regions nestled in the polycrisis. With a specific passion for the mountains, I am committed to reshaping how mountain communities connect with the natural world and envision a collective future impacted by climate change.
My Values
Current Projects
Post-Pandemic Shifts:
The Legacy of COVID-19 on Travel Behaviours and the Path Towards Sustainable and Regenerative Tourism in Canada’s Nature-Based Destinations
This research delves into the long-lasting effects of the pandemic on travel patterns within Canada, with a specific focus on emerging sustainability and regenerative tourism practices and mindsets. Amidst the ongoing global polycrisis, the insights provided here aim to equip the tourism sector to enhance its resilience, prepare for future crises, and champion long-term sustainability.
Future-Proofing Sustainable Nature-Based Tourism in Canada’s Parks, Protected, and Conserved Areas:
A Horizon Scan of Emerging Challenges
Global climate change, biodiversity loss, health crises, and economic instability converge to form a polycrisis that challenges the sustainable planning, management, and operations of parks, protected, and conserved areas for biodiversity conservation and nature-based tourism. Utilizing a horizon scan methodology for the first time in the tourism field, this paper engaged experts across Canada to identify and critically examine the opportunities and risks associated with emerging challenges anticipated to affect sustainable nature-based tourism in Canada over the next three decades.
Adventuring on Thin Ice: Perceptions, Adaptations, and Adaptive Capacity of Canadian Mountaineers in the Face of Climate Change
This research explored the effects of climate change on recreational mountaineers and examines influences on adaptation behaviours. The results are expected to provide practical knowledge for the mountaineering community and tourism organizations in Canada to help plan for an uncertain future threatened by rapid climate and environmental change.
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PC: Kendra Young
Past Projects
Gaining Insight on the Most Challenging Expedition:
Climate Change from the Perspectives of Canadian Mountain Guides
This research is the first to present the intimate knowledge of mountain guides in Canada, offering novel insight into climate change risks and opportunities for the guiding industry, including strategies to contend with risk and adaptation. The full article can be read here.
Protecting the Ancient Giants:
The Search for Uncharted Old Growth Forests in Interior British Columbia
This project assisted Y2Y by raising awareness for the protection of intact old-growth forests in the Upper Columbia region north of Revelstoke. By identifying remaining primary forests through field surveys, sharing of stakeholder narratives about old growth forest importance, and gaining public support through engaging communications campaigns, this project promoted the protection of key old growth forests in interior British Columbia and enhanced co-existence between humans and wildlife. Learn more about this project here.
Connecting about Change: Documenting the Impacts of Climate Change in the Tonquin Valley
All women expedition funded by the Alpine Club of Canada's Jen Higgins Grant to document and raise awareness about the impacts of climate change in the Tonquin Valley and the history of alpinism in the Canadian Rockies at large. Read more in the Alpine Club of Canada's Winter Gazette (pg. 15-16)
My Experience
Senior Lead, Mountain Communities
The Resilience Institute
August 2024 - Current
Destination Stewardship Strategist
Tourism Jasper
March 2023 - August 2024
Climbing Instructor
Rockaboo Mountain Adventures
June 2021 - Present
Graduate Teaching Assistant
Wilfrid Laurier University & University of Waterloo
January 2021 - Present
Project Manager
The Resilience Institute
May 2022 - September 2023
Knowledge Mobilization Intern
The Resilience Institute
February 2020 - April 2022
Environmental Intern
Town of Banff
May - September 2019
May - December 2021
Graduate Research Assistant
University of Waterloo
May - September 2020