From apathy through anxiety to action

Emotions as motivators for youth climate strike leaders

Bibliographic Data

ID21570525
AuthorsRia Bright (0000-0002-6330-5691, University of Waikato, corresponding author), Chris Eames (0000-0002-4570-2239, University of Waikato)
Year2022
Volume38
Issue1
Pages13-25
Publication date2022-03-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueAustralian Journal of Environmental Education (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0814-0626 • E-ISSN: 2049-775X
PublisherCambridge University Press (CUP) (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1017/aee.2021.22
OpenAlexW3211174151
LanguageEN
Citations received39
References cited35

The climate strikes of 2019 motivated millions worldwide onto the street and provided a platform for youth voices that demanded global climate action. This article explores the experiences of climate strike leaders in Aotearoa New Zealand questioning the motivational factors behind the youth action. In-depth interviews with 15 climate strike leaders identified emotions that influenced engagement and could motivate action. Climate strike leaders reported experiencing a series of turbulent emotional stages from apathy to action. Their experiences suggest that anxiety and anger are important stages in the emotional journey towards action. Using Boler’s Pedagogy of Discomfort , this paper examines these emotional stages that can disable or enable action. Considering youth perspectives increases our understanding of a suitable climate change educational framework that potentially supports both educators and students on this challenging journey

Anger · Anxiety · Aotearoa · Apathy · Sociology · Critical and Liberation Pedagogy · Gender Studies · Psychology · Social Psychology · Tourism, Volunteerism, and Development · Youth Education and Societal Dynamics

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