Positive youth action towards climate change

Abstract

This study focuses on the experiences of young people who are leaders of change in the environmental field. In this study environmental activism is viewed as a personal commitment towards pro-environmental behaviour, and so the motivations. and challenges behind such work are viewed as important to learn more not only about volunteering in environmental organisations, but also about pro-environmental behaviour. The main research problem was to try and explore these individuals' present and past life experiences in the light of their activism towards the issue of climate change. Narrative inquiry was chosen as a methodology for this research as it gives importance to experience and facilitates the study of an issue in all of its wholeness and complexity. The research involved in-depth interviews with three participants as well as living alongside the participants in an effort to build a relationship with them and to experience being an environmental activist. The participants were members of a local environmental organisation - Friends of the Earth Malta, which is a member of the international organisation Friends of the Earth International. The outcomes of this study provide an opportunity for reflection on the factors that affect pro-environmental attitudes and behaviour, including the role of environmental education. Such a reflection will enable informed efforts to engage more young people in environmental activism. From the narratives produced, it is clear that there is no single factor that is optimal for promoting pro-environmental behaviour and environmental activism. These are in fact determined by a combination of factors which work in interaction. The research also highlights the political nature of environmental issues, especially global issues such as climate change.