Climate change will disproportionately impact younger generations. But tackling the issue is a low priority for most young people, as it is for most adults. The reasons for young people's disengagement remain largely unknown, however, making it difficult to target calls for action.
Adam Corner, from the Climate Outreach Information Network, and colleagues reviewed existing literature and ran focus groups with young people to understand their views, and to work out how to design effective engagement strategies.
They found that younger generations seek 'minimal inconvenience', so it's important to focus on activities that are easy to execute. Young people are also motivated by a sense of self-efficacy, so must be persuaded that their actions have a real impact. Trusted messengers are the best people to convey this message. That means more interactive learning with parents, teachers and other young people, and fewer lectures from politicians.
Improving understanding of young people's views is essential to ensure that future decision makers are properly prepared for the challenges that climate change will bring.
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Hope, M. Disengaged youth. Nature Clim Change 5, 912 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1038/nclimate2818
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/nclimate2818
