1
GENERATION CLIMATE CRISIS: A QUALITATIVE ANALYSIS ABOUT GENERATION
Z’S EXPERIENCES AND ATTITUDES SURROUNDING CLIMATE ACTIVISM IN THE
STATE OF OHIO
A Thesis
Presented to
The Honors Tutorial College
Ohio University
In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for Graduation from the Honors Tutorial College with the degree of
Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies
By
Kathryn Nolan
May 2021
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This thesis has been approved by
The Honors Tutorial College and the Department of Environmental Studies
______
Dr. Nancy Manring
Associate Professor, Political Science
______
Dr. Steve Scanlan
Director of Studies, Environmental Studies
______
Dr. Donal Skinner
Dean, Honors Tutorial College
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Acknowledgements
I’m extremely grateful to Dr. Nancy Manring for advising me and collaborating with me through the creation of this thesis, as well as for her mentorship over my undergraduate years.
She has inspired me to be the best writer, environmentalist, and woman that I can be. I would also like to thank Dr. Geoff Buckley for believing in my abilities from the very beginning of my college career, I wouldn’t be writing this thesis if it wasn’t for his unwavering support. I’m grateful to Dr. Steve Scanlan as well, who was an amazing and supportive academic advisor during the pandemic.
I would also like to thank the Ohio University Honors Tutorial College for funding my undergraduate years and for providing an invaluable educational experience that fueled my passions and built my confidence as a leader and an academic.
I am also profoundly grateful to my friends and family for their unending support and care for me throughout this process. I would specifically like to thank my grandfather, Tim
Nolan, for fostering my love for the Earth, and for always inspiring me to do my best and follow my wildest aspirations. As he always says, “The difference between a dream and a goal is your plan.” I wouldn’t be where I am today without him and my loving family.
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Table of Contents
i. Abstract………………………………………………………………………………..7
ii. Introduction……………………………………………………………………………8
iii. Study Area…………………………………………………………………………...10
iv. Literature Review…………………………………………………………………….13
a. Who is Generation Z?
b. Influence of the modern environmental movement on Generation Z
c. The history (so far) of Generation Z’s climate activism
v. Methods………………………………………………………………………………24
vi. Overview of Results …………………………………………………………………29
vii. Discussion and Recommendations…………………………………………………..33
viii. Conclusion…………………………………………………………………………...55
ix. References……………………………………………………………………………59
x. Appendix…………………………………………………………………………..…64
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List of Figures
Figure 1: Observed and Projected Temperature Change, NOAA
Figure 2: Palmer Z Index, Short-Term Conditions, NOAA (2012)
Figure 3: Projected Change in Spring Precipitation, NOAA
Figure 4: Urban vs. Rural Heat, Climate Central
Figure 5: Higher Temps = Ozone Air Pollution, Climate Central
Figure 6: The generations defined, Pew Research Center
Figure 7: Gen Z more likely than other generations to want an activist government
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List of Tables (Appendix)
Table 1: Motivation for joining the climate movement
Table 2: Climate organizing methodology
Table 3: Emotions surrounding the climate crisis
Table 4: Perception of preceding generations
Table 5: Generation Z’s uniqueness
Table 6: Social media and the climate movement
Table 7: Goals for the climate movement
Table 8: Personal climate goals
Table 9: Future of the climate movement
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Abstract
“You have stolen my dreams and my childhood with your empty words. And yet I’m one of the lucky ones. People are suffering. People are dying. Entire ecosystems are collapsing. We are in the beginning of a mass extinction, and all you can talk about is money and fairy tales of eternal economic growth. How dare you?” Swedish teenage climate activist Greta Thunberg said this at the U.N.’s 2019 Climate Action Summit, and a video of her speech went viral across the internet. Her strong words and young age sparked a series of climate protests involving young people, called “School Strikes 4 Climate,” in 2018. Thousands of members of Generation Z participated in a worldwide school strike, joining Thunberg in her mission to thwart climate change, hold world leaders and polluters accountable, and create a global movement for change.
Every young climate activist has a story that deserves to be listened to and learned from, in order to ensure their climate future is secure. Generation Z’s climate activism is an important new phenomenon that is changing the landscape of climate activism and has the potential to change or influence policy across many scales. This project characterizes and analyzes climate activists to identify what is necessary to ensure that they have a secure climate future. Results of this thesis suggest that listening to the lived experiences of Generation Z will be crucial in looking towards a stable climate future. Their personal connections to visible effects of climate change, the uncertainty of their futures, their sense of community, their surprising view of older generations, their prioritization of intersectionality and social justice, and their unique sense of empowerment characterize them as a force that cannot be ignored.
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Introduction
This thesis aims to capture and amplify the stories of Gen Z climate activists in the state of Ohio. Understanding the nature and goals of Generation Z’s climate activism is important as the United States prepares for systemic climate policy decisions after years of climate inaction and increasingly visible effects of climate change. My research is guided by the following research questions: What are the motivations, methods and goals of Gen Z climate activism?
What does Generation Z prioritize and what is their likely influence on the future of climate policy and climate action? The data for this thesis was collected using the grounded theory method of qualitative research. Thirty-minute conversational, semi-structured interviews were conducted with climate activists ranging from 14 to 22 years old.
This thesis focuses on the opinions and thoughts of youth climate activists in Ohio.
Generation Z-ers who live in Ohio have already witnessed the impacts of climate change in their state, who may be overlooked because they are not a coastal city facing very visible flooding, or a Southern state being ravaged by the extreme hurricanes that occur each year. In the future,
Ohioans will have a lot to worry about when it comes to climate change. The youngest among them are seeking to ensure that the damage is as minimal as possible.
The state of Ohio has increased in annual mean temperature by 1.2 degrees Fahrenheit since 1895, and all regions of the state have been impacted. In urban areas, heatwaves increase risk of death from heatstroke, these communities are more at-risk due to their overall higher lack of air conditioning and higher average temperatures.1 Ohio is bordered to the North by the Great
Lakes, which are experiencing higher rates of ice melt and greater algal blooms that deplete oxygen and drastically change ecosystems. On the South end, the Ohio River will have more
1 United States Environmental Protection Agency 9 frequent flooding events due to increased temperatures and precipitation, which could lead to displacement of people and destruction of property. Ohio has not yet adopted a climate change adaptation plan, although local efforts have sprouted. With a diverse population, including urban, rural, suburban, and Appalachian areas, Ohio’s reactions to the climate crisis will vary widely.
Figure 1: NOAA
Without direct action to reduce fossil fuel emissions, Ohio might witness “historically unprecedented warming” through the rest of the 21st century, (Figure 1).2 If temperature continues to increase, Ohio is expected to have about 30 dangerous heat days a year, as opposed to 5 on a regular year.3 Due to increased temperatures, Ohio is also expected to experience
“exacerbated” droughts, making them more dangerous than usual, (Figure 2). While droughts are expected to increase, heavy rain and flooding is also expected to increase simultaneously, due to higher temperatures leading to higher rates of evaporation, (Figure 3).4
2 NOAA 3 Climate Central 4 The Climate Reality Project 10
Figure 2: NOAA
Figure 3: NOAA 11
Ohio is also an agricultural state. In 2012, Ohio faced a hot year with intense drought.
The agricultural industry is directly impacted by these stark climate changes in terms of economic loss. Furthermore, cause public health risks that are worse than losing a few crops.
Farmers are being hit by large amounts of debt, bankruptcy, and being forced to sell their farms.
Additionally, farmers are now ranked as among the most likely occupation to die by suicide.5 It is also a state with three major urban cities. Urban areas are generally warmer than other types of areas, which means that increased temperatures will exacerbate preexisting high heat, (Figure 4), causing higher amounts of ozone air pollution, (Figure 6). Its Southeastern corner also holds part of Appalachia, where poverty is a designated problem in comparison to Ohio’s non-Appalachian areas.6
Figure 4: Climate Central
5 The Climate Reality Project 6 O’Callahan 12
Figure 5: Climate Central
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Literature Review
Who is Generation Z?
There are many diverse and complex individuals and groups that lie within Generation Z, as with all generations.
Delineating them by age as “Generation Z” is efficient for research purposes.7 The categorization of generations by year were identified through data collected through the Pew
Research Center. Generation Z, also known as “Gen Z,” are categorized as those born after 1996, and before 2013,
(Figure 6). Gen Z, in 2021, range from the youngest turning
9 years old, to the oldest being 24. They are children, high school and college students, and working young adults. They are more diverse than any other generation, and their connection to technology and social media is unmatched.
They have faced a myriad of historical events that have shaped their young worldviews, and they are facing an uncertain future in the face of climate change that is unlike a Figure 6: Pew Research Center world that any other growing generation has faced before. 8
The label “Generation Z” was created in sequence of the preceding generation,
“Generation Y,” also known as the “Millennial” generation. Generation Z is the most diverse generation and will only become more diverse due to increased immigration of young people
7 Dimock 8 Dimock 14 from various backgrounds. Generation Z, pre-Coronavirus pandemic, was expected to inherit a strong economy, as well as the lowest unemployment levels in years. However, the pandemic rages on, and the rising numbers of Gen Z young professionals face high levels of unemployment and job loss as a result of the disastrous effects of Covid-19. According to Pew Research Center, even in the first month of the pandemic, half of the oldest group of Gen Z, (ages 18-23), reported job loss or significant pay cuts in their household due to Covid-19. Additionally, an analysis of jobs data shared through the Pew Research Center showed that young workers were particularly vulnerable to job loss, even before the pandemic changed the economic and societal landscape.9
Perhaps one of the most observable differences between Generation Z and their predecessors is their connectedness to social media over the course of their entire lives. Gen Z is intrinsically associated with social media, due to the fact that the internet has been around for the entirety of Gen Z’s existence. The Internet was created in 1993, four years before the oldest members of Gen Z were born. The most popular smartphone, the iPhone, was released in 2007, when the oldest members of Gen Z were only 10 years old. Increasingly, teenage Gen Z’s will continue to be exposed to technology and social media as active parts of their daily lives.10 Gen
Z’s stand out because of their innate ability to work with and adapt to technology, compared to other generations adapting to new technology as older individuals. Studies have shown that
Generation Z is consistently a high consumer of online content, and that they choose to actively remain connected in some way to the Internet and social media. The rise of social media has already drastically changed the way that businesses operate, as well as the landscape of the job market. The impact of social media across disciplines and sectors of the economy has been
9 Parker and Igielnik 10 Dimock 15 drastic and will only further evolve as Gen Z becomes more involved in the workforce and in society as cultural and political leaders.11
Besides the rise of social media and technology, Generation Z has been exposed to other unique formative events that have framed their perspectives throughout their childhood, adolescent, and young adult years. Unlike the generations that came before them, Generation Z is faced with different pressures, including the threat of mass and school shootings, a uniquely unstable political climate, a rise in suicide rates, the impending threat of climate change and global warming, deportations and separations of immigrant and migrant families, widespread sexual harassment and assault, and mental health crises.12
According to the American Psychological Association’s annual “Stress in America” survey, Generation Z is more likely of all generations to report poor mental health, as well as the most likely to seek professional help for mental health problems. 75 percent of Generation Z reported that mass shootings cause a significant amount of stress in their lives, with 72 percent adding that school shootings specifically cause them significant stress. A majority of Millennials,
Generation X, and Baby Boomers also cite mass shooting as significant stressors, but Generation
Z is the most concerned. Overall, Generation Z also reported more stress than adults overall about issues in the news, and 58 percent reported that climate change and global warming is a news issue that causes stress as well, falling behind mass shootings and a rise in suicide rates.13
In an Amnesty International survey of over 10,000 young people, 41 percent named climate change as the most important issue facing the world today, (the most frequent answer overall).
Global warming was also named as the most important environmental issue in the same survey,
11 PrakashYadav, Rai 12 American Psychological Association 13 American Psychological Association 16 with 57 percent of respondent citing the problem.14 These unique stressors can take a toll on
Generation Z’s mental health and wellbeing. In the age of a pandemic, these effects are exacerbated.
The Covid-19 pandemic made 2020 a devastating year that took a toll on Generation Z’s mental health, as well as outlooks for the future. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 63 percent of Americans aged 18-24 reported experiencing anxiety and depression. 25 percent of this age group also stated that they have resorted to increased use of substances in order to deal with stress. 25 percent also reported suicidal contemplations. Overall, this study concluded that younger adults, racial and ethnic minorities, essential workers, and unpaid adult caregivers reported having disproportionately worse mental health statuses, as well as greater amounts of substance abuse and suicidal thoughts.15 In another study conducted by the
Healthy Minds Network and the American College Health Association, the data collected showed that 80 percent of college students reported that their mental health had been negatively impacted due to Covid-19. Their conclusions state that two thirds of students report that financial stress has significantly increased due to the pandemic. Additionally, one third of students said that their living situation changed due to the pandemic, causing them further stress.16
While Generation Z is impacted by historic stressors, they are also a generation of activists looking to improve the future. According to Pew Research Center, Gen Z is more likely than other generations to want an activist government. 70 percent stated that the government should do more to solve problems, (Figure 7).
14 Climate change ranks highest as vital issue of our time - Amnesty International 15 Centers for Disease Control 16 Healthy Minds Network, American College Health Association 17
Generation Z is aware that they are facing a future that is unknown. They are facing a future that is plagued by increased drought, flooding, fire, pollution, and other forms of environmental degradation and public health risks. They are entering an economy and a job market that is uncertain. As a generation, they are uniquely afflicted by outside pressures that other generations have not had to face, especially at their young age. While this thesis focuses on the climate activism of Generation Z, the climate activism of preceding generations is very much alive and has influenced Gen Z’s climate organizing.
Figure 7: Pew Research Center
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The Modern Environmental Movement’s History and Influence
My research seeks to analyze the youngest generation in America organizing for the most recent modern environmental and climate movements. Focusing their outreach on intersectionality, justice, and combatting environmental racism, it is important to research the roots of this movement, and why it is so meaningful that Generation Z focuses so much on the rights of Black, Indigenous, and people of color’s environmental rights.
Today, the climate movement is intertwined with the Land Back campaign as seen with the
NDN Collective, emphasizing that with the continuance of the modern environmental movement, there must be intersectionality that includes Indigenous people who have been disregarded for so long. While suffering through genocide and having their land stolen, post- colonization, Indigenous people have been systematically disregarded by the United States as less than, being mistreated by the government. Additionally, the Black Lives Matter and adjacent racial justice movements also include the ideas of environmental racism and climate injustices.17
Naomi Klein, author of “Why Black Lives Matter Should Transform the Climate Debate,” stated in this article, “Racism is what has made it possible to systematically look away from the climate threat for more than two decades.”18
On April 22nd, 1970, the first national Earth Day is held. Across the country, over 20 million people participate in the largest demonstration in American history. The first Earth Day consisted of more than 2,000 college campuses, 10,000 elementary and high schools, and countless other organizations and areas across the country, coming together to educate one another about how to protect the Earth from ecological turmoil.19 The legacy of Earth Day
17 Pieratos, Manning, Tilsen 18 Klein 19 Bailey 19 includes the birth of the modern environmental protestor, activist, and advocate. Many of the demonstration leaders included teenagers who organized the first Earth Day events on their high school and college campuses, leading thousands in celebration and protest.20 This youth-led organizing is similar to what was seen with Greta Thunberg’s School Strike 4 Climate in 2019, in which high school and college students were the main organizers. Direct action organizing has been used for decades in grassroots environmental organizing, including demonstrations, marches, and protests. Earth Day marches are an example of this type of organizing.
Currently, in 2021, Earth Day turns 51, the United States swore in a new president, and a pandemic ravages the globe. The rising young adult generation faces a nation unlike what history has seen before. They are taking the climate crisis by storm, and transforming the way climate activism is discussed and actively participated in. They are passionate, intersectional, and influenced by the climate crisis personally, and they are motivated to radically influence climate policy. They are changing the world, and they have no other choice.
Generation Z’s Climate Activism
Generation Z’s focus is to bring attention to the devastating effects of climate change that the world is witnessing now, and to promote policy that must be implemented quickly in order to counteract these effects. They are distinctive in the communication of their message across social media, something that was nonexistent during the first wave of modern environmental activism in the 1960s and 1970s. Their bold methods are still everchanging, and their major goals remain unmet. It will be crucial to look to Generation Z for the future of climate activism and policy.
20 Bubar 20
Today, especially with older generations, many Americans lack a personal connection to the effects of climate change. This thesis explores the idea that Generation Z is uniquely motivated to act on the climate crisis because they are more personally connected to its dangerous effects. According to a Routledge study, 71 percent of Americans understand that global warming is happening, but only 56 percent understand that human activity has accelerated its impacts. Additionally, only around half of Americans see climate change as a personal risk.
73 percent of Americans think that global warming will harm future generations.21 Generation Z will most likely have to deal with more visible effects of climate change as time goes on, making their personal connections to the climate crisis much higher than that of their predecessors.
Additionally, there has been tension between Generation Z and the generations who came before them, both politically and culturally. This has been the case between generations over the course of centuries and is not a new concept. In the Myth of Generational Conflict: The Family and State in Ageing Societies (2000), authors Arber and Attitas-Donfut conclude that intergenerational equity is related to public resource distribution, cultural differences, and environmental quality.22 Generational tension is exacerbated by environmental inequalities, and the climate crisis has an extreme impact on the environmental inequalities that currently separate
Generation Z from their predecessors.
This thesis also explores the positive and negative aspects of social media, according to the opinions of members of Generation Z. Generation Z’s climate activism and its connectedness to social media is undeniable. According to Pew Research Center, 84 percent of adults ages 18-
29 use at least one social media platform, (Figure 1).23 Additionally, in an era where the Covid-
21 Leiserowitz, Maibach, Rosenthal, Kotcher, Ballew, Goldberg 22 Arber, Attias-Donfut 23 Auxier, Anderson. 21
19 pandemic prevents many in-person organizing events, social media is a potential helpful tool for virtual climate organizing.
While social media has the capacity to aid youth climate activists, the rise of social media as an organizing platform has risks as well. A fairly new phenomenon in the activist lexicon is
“performative activism,” also known as “performative wokeness,” “performative allyship,” or
“slacktivism.” This is defined as showing online support for a political or social issue through social media while involving little effort and less commitment.24 Jenna M. Gray of the Harvard
Crimson depicts this as “drowning your lecture comments with a host of social justice buzzwords
– try favorites like intersectionality, marginalized, discourse, subjectivity, or any -ism – without regard to whether other people understand you.”25 Performative activism became a buzzword itself after the 2020 murder of George Floyd due to police violence, which sparked the 2020 resurgence of the Black Lives Matter social movement. Social media users participated in
“Blackout Tuesday” in which they posted pictures of blank black squares in an attempt to support the movement. Posters received criticism for surface-level activism that has little to no effect on the actual issue of systemic racism in America. Additionally, participants were criticized for posting a blank square instead of a post containing any useful information that could further expand the reach of the Black Lives Matter movement.26 Similar instances have occurred surrounding climate and environmental online activism. The phenomenon of performative activism is a unique obstacle for youth climate organizers, who continue to use social media as a platform for organizing, and their thoughts on this subject will be explored in this thesis.
24 Cabrera, Matias, Montoya 25 Gray 26 Willingham 22
Seen in Greta Thunberg-inspired school strikes, Generation Z has relied on direct action organizing tactics throughout their climate activism. Direct action organizing takes place at the point of production of the problem. Direct action tactics can include strikes, protests, and other organizing tactics that take place at the problematic source point. This type of organizing can be traced back decades, from the original Earth Day, to tree sits, to the physical blocking of pipelines, to the protests of local polluters across the United States.27
The Green New Deal (GND), introduced by Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Senator Ed Markey, is a popular piece of legislation that many young people support. The
GND has been criticized for being too radical, and that its goals are unattainable. Many people in
Generation Z argue that radical climate policy is the best option moving forward in order to maintain a stable climate.28
Intersectionality is a popular term amongst young activists of many social movements, including the climate movement. According to the prominent climate activist organization,
350.org,
“Intersectionality focuses on how social categories such as gender, race, socio-
class, ability, sexual orientation, religion, and other aspects of our identity interact on
multiple levels, contributing to discrimination, exclusion, social inequality and systemic
injustice.”
The concept was developed to describe the struggles of Black feminists in 1989, and the term was coined by Kimberlé Crenshaw. Intersectionality has been uplifted in the modern climate movement, particularly amongst young people, because it addresses the reality that the climate
27 Effective Strikes and Economic Actions 28 Galvin, Healy 23 crisis is not one single issue. Within the climate crisis, there are many issues that are impacted.
With an intersectional lens, the climate crisis can be better addressed in a realistic way.
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Methods
This thesis is an exploratory study of youth climate activism. My research was guided by the following questions: What are the motivations, methods and goals of Gen Z climate activism? What does Generation Z prioritize and what is their likely influence on the future of climate policy and climate action? Qualitative methods were selected due to the relative newness of the topic, and to provide a rich understanding of the phenomenon. After IRB approval was received, (Appendix A), interview requests were sent out to various youth climate organizations in the state of Ohio. These interviews had no time limit; interview lengths ranged between 12 to
40 minutes in length. The interviews were conducted virtually in October-January of 2020-2021.
Those who responded were interviewed using the same set of eight questions listed below.
Out of 50 interview requests that were sent out, 10 respondents participated in interviews in their entirety, for a response rate of 20%. This is only a small percentage of the climate activist community as a whole and therefore is likely not entirely representative of activists everywhere.
However, the willingness of those who participated reflects their passion to speak on their climate activism, and their answers allow further insight into this research regarding what matters most to the climate activist community.
Six participants identify as female, using she/her pronouns. One respondent identifies as male, using he/him pronouns. One respondent uses she/they pronouns, one uses he/they pronouns, and one uses they/them pronouns. At the time the interviews were conducted, respondents ranged from 15 to 22 years old, with their average age being 17 years old.
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My interview guide consisted of the following questions:
1. Why did you feel motivated to join the youth climate movement?
Assertion: Generation Z will be most motivated by the looming threat of climate change and
its effects.
This question was asked in order to identify common themes surrounding climate activists’ motivations for joining the movement. A common theme found in their motivations could mean significant things for the future of the movement, as well as what matters most to activists.
Finding the root of the activism can help us to better understand the true solutions of the climate crisis.
2. What methods of climate activism have you been involved in?
Assertion: Generation Z’s most common methods of climate activism will be protesting and strikes.
In order to analyze and compare Generation Z’s methods of climate activism to those of their predecessors, hearing their firsthand stories of organizing is crucial.
3. What are the emotions that you have surrounding the climate crisis?
Assertion: Generation Z will mostly express fear surrounding the climate crisis.
The emotions that climate activists express about the climate crisis are important to this research because they help to capture the full picture of respondent’s climate stories. Analyzing the methods, goals, and priorities of their activism will be expanded upon by their emotional accounts.
4. How do you feel about the generations that came before us?
Assertion: Generation Z will place blame on older generations for causing and perpetuating the climate crisis. 26
Pinpointing where Generation Z places blame about the climate crisis is directly linked to their climate activism goals and possible solutions to the problems that they identify as most important. For example, I theorized for this research that if Generation Z were to blame the climate crisis mostly on the generations that came before them, then they would focus on reparations from older generations to younger generations as a solution. Similarly, if Generation
Z did not place blame on older generations, then their solutions to the climate crisis would be to move forward with multi-generational solutions.
5. What do you think makes Gen Z unique in their approach to the climate crisis?
Assertion: Generation Z is unique because of their connection to technology, and their diversity.
This question represents one of the most central pieces of this research – to identify what makes Generation Z unique in their approach to the climate crisis in ways that other generations need to understand in order to ensure the best climate future possible.
6. What role do you see social media play in the youth climate movement?
One of the most identifiable differences between Gen Z and their predecessors is their innate connection to social media. Social media has had a major impact on Gen Z as a whole, and in the age of Covid-19, social media has evidently become a space for climate activism to further spread. Hypothesis: Generation Z will heavily rely on social media for climate activism, this reliance exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic.
7. What are your major goals for the climate movement?
Assertion: Gen Z will set climate goals for the future that are more ambitious and radical than previous generation’s climate goals in order to solve the climate crisis. 27
This goal of this question is to discover what climate activists ultimately want to achieve from the climate movement. This question seeks to discover the connection between Gen Z climate activists and what they envision their own futures to be – both in terms of the climate movement as a whole and for themselves as young activists who will pursue careers in a few years.
8. What are your major goals as a youth climate activist, personally?
Assertion: Gen Z climate activists will mostly want to pursue careers in government or nonprofit sectors.
This question seeks to discover the connection between Gen Z climate activists and what they envision their own futures to be – both in terms of the climate movement as a whole and for themselves as young activists who will pursue careers in a few years.
9. What do you think the future of the climate movement will look like?
This question seeks to answer an important part of this research – What do climate activists truly think the future will look like? What do those on the frontlines of the youth climate movement think the future will entail? Hypothesis: Gen Z climate activists will envision the future of the climate movement to be intersectional and diverse, as well as containing swifter climate policy action.
The semi-structured interviews were conversational, and included prompts to guide the interviews as well, including: What has been the most successful form of activism that you have participated in? How do you define successful activism? What is your ideal outcome when participating in climate activism? Where should we place blame for the climate crisis? What is 28 your personal use of social media in your activism? What are your goals in terms of both goals for the climate movement and your personal career goals moving forward as an activist?
After interviews were conducted, they were transcribed in full. Transcripts were coded thematically to pinpoint the ideas that were most important and prevalent. Additionally, interviews were also coded to recognize any differences in responses and unique answers, expanding upon the original hypothesis. Then, answers to the interview questions were charted to note the number of times the same answer was given. Respondents are organized randomly in charts, given a number 1-10 to designate them consistently throughout the data tables.
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Overview of Results
After interviews were finished, results were divided into eight categories, aligning with the eight interview questions asked to respondents. Below are the responses I received; each category accompanied by a corresponding table (listed in the Appendix).
Motivation
The interviews explored participants’ motivations for engaging in climate activism. Out of the ten participants, four participants cited the visible effects of climate change motivating them to take part in the climate movement. Four respondents also attributed their activist beginnings to personal, familial-based reasons. Three participants stated that their involvement with the climate movement was accidental, or by coincidence, and then their passion for climate activism grew over time as they became more involved. One participant mentioned that they were motivated to become an activist because of a different social movement, and ultimately ended up focusing on climate activism further down the line. One participant stated that they joined the climate movement because they were searching for a like-minded community to take part in. One participant additionally attributed the inaction of others as a reason for her climate activism, (Table 1).
Methods of climate activism
Respondents were then asked, “What methods of climate activism have you been involved in?” Out of ten respondents, nine stated that direct action organizing is a common method for their climate activism. Three respondents mentioned electoral or policy-driven activism as one of their main forms of action. Five respondents stated that they have taken part in 30 creating content for social media activism. Five respondents mentioned that they have focused on educational programming outside of social media, (one respondent citing both social media and non-social media educational programming). One respondent said that collaborating with a nonprofit has been a large part of their methods of activism, (Table 2).
Emotions
The emotions anxiety, anger, and hope were most frequently mentioned with four mentions each. The emotions with three mentions each are fear and worry. Uncertainty and frustration were each mentioned twice. Pain, disappointment, nihilism, empowerment, and agency were each mentioned once, (Table 3). Most respondents mentioned several emotions, and that their emotions fluctuate.
Perceptions of preceding generations
Out of ten respondents, six aligned with the idea that older generations cannot be blamed for the climate crisis. Three respondents aligned with the idea that preceding generations are to blame for the climate crisis. One respondent aligned with the idea that preceding generations can be partly attributed with causing the climate crisis, (Table 4).
Generation Z’s uniqueness
Out of ten respondents, five said that social media makes Generation Z unique. Four respondents said that unique stressors, including the visible effects of climate change, make
Generation Z unique. Two respondents mentioned that Generation Z has a unique sense of empowerment compared to other generations. One respondent said that Generation Z is social 31 justice-oriented, which makes them unique. Another respondent said that Generation Z’s tendency to be youth-oriented in activism is distinct. Another respondent said that Generation
Z’s radical new ideas and solutions to the climate crisis make them unique, (Table 5). The second part of my assertion, stating that Generation Z is unique because of their diversity, was not brought up and therefore refuted.
Role of Social media
Out of the ten participants, nine addressed the topic of social media and climate activism in a positive way. Examples of these include being able to expand outreach on social media,
(mentioned by 7 participants), educating and radicalizing through social media, (mentioned by 5 participants), visibility of environmental injustices increasing, (mentioned by 1 participant), building online communities that wouldn’t exist otherwise, (mentioned by 4 participants), increasing membership, as well as membership retention, (mentioned by 5 participants), and increasing physical turnout at direct action organizing or protests, (mentioned by 4 participants),
(Table 6).
Movement Goals
Out of ten respondents, four said that fixing the climate crisis was one of the major goals for the movement. Four respondents said that building individual communities was one of their major goals for the climate movement. Four responded that ensuring a better world for future generations is also an important goal. Three respondents said that increasing education and radicalization is an important goal. Two respondents said that amplifying the voices of 32 marginalized communities is an important goal for the movement. Two participants stated that achieving collective liberation is important as well, (Table 7).
Personal and Career Goals
Out of ten respondents, the majority of participants responded that they were unsure of their career goals (five respondents). Three respondents stated that they wanted to continue climate organizing as a career. Two respondents spoke about pursuing a law career. One respondent spoke on working for the government, and one spoke on pursuing a creative career related to climate action work, (Table 8).
Of those who pinpointed a career goal, three respondents hope to build a career out of climate organizing. Respondent 8 stated, “Career-wise, I know that I want to be working in something to push the movement, whether it be in an organization, or whether it be in an educator position.” Respondent 10 stated, “My personal goals are really just to stay as involved in the movement in whatever capacity I can be, for as long as I can be.”
Future of the Climate Movement
For the final question, out of ten respondents, four said that the future of the climate movement will include increased turnout and climate action organizing. Two respondents mentioned swift climate policy and action, three said increased diversity and intersectionality, two said systemic changes, one said increased unity between climate activists, and one said that they were unsure, (Table 9).
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Discussion and Recommendations
This thesis sought to address the following questions: What are the motivations, methods, and goals of Gen Z climate activism? What does Generation Z prioritize and what is their likely influence on the future of climate policy and climate action? Coding of the interviews revealed major themes and patterns. Although the sample size was small, the results provide a rich understanding of Gen Z climate activists in Ohio.
Climate stories – the visible effects of climate change
Every youth climate activist has a climate story. They all have different lived experiences and personal connections that have influenced their climate activism. Whether they personally witnessed a natural disaster in their hometown, or they have been bombarded by the uncertain reality of their state’s climate future, their personal connection to the climate crisis makes their perspectives different from preceding generations.
Some of the most interesting reasons for joining the climate movement were personal stories that mentioned the visible effects of climate change. Additionally, throughout their conversations, activists mentioned their personal connections to climate change throughout, and how much the climate movement genuinely means to them as individuals. 60% of respondents mentioned a specific personal connection to climate change that they already have. As previously mentioned, only about half of Americans overall view climate change as a personal issue. Based on the results of this research, Generation Z is particularly active in the climate movement as a generation because they are directly impacted by the current effects of climate change.
Additionally, they will only continue to be more impacted as the crisis progresses. 34
The majority of respondents ascribed their motivation for joining the movement to the visible effects of climate change that they have witnessed, either personally or through those around them. Two respondents mentioned that their motivations were due to the visible effects they witnessed impacting them and their families personally. Respondent 9, who detailed their experience with typhoons and flooding in the Philippines, described:
“My own environmental story [took place] when I lived in the Philippines. Seeing the
immense poverty and pollution around me, we didn’t have any centralized trash system.
What’s been exacerbated by that is this very specific memory of when it flooded, because
of the typhoons, it was this putrid brown water and garbage chunks. It was just so
hopeless. I was only four or five years old, and I remember it do vividly.”
He described their experiences growing up, witnessing the polluted water that would flood his community after natural disaster struck. They state:
“I think that’s really connected me to the type of world we live in, being able to
experience that in my country, and then being able to come here [to the United States]
and get the education that I’m so privileged to get, my lived experiences really inspired
my activism. This is people fighting for their lives. It’s me fighting for my life.”
Respondent 7 also attributes her climate passions to her family’s experiences in the Philippines.
She stated:
“My family is from the Philippines. My grandparents immigrated here. For me, I can
very directly show how colonialism and imperialism have really forced the climate crisis
upon lots of folks, but specifically, people in my family and people who are still living in
the Philippines… Sometimes, we here in America, imagine the climate crisis as a future
thing, and don’t know about how it’s literally happening right now.” 35
Respondent 2 stated that she was raised in “an environmentalist international community,” which sparked her interest in climate activism from a young age, mentioning that her connection to the land she was raised on in Appalachia is a deeply personal connection that directly led to her climate activism. She stated:
“One of the things that’s impacted me the most is the orientation to the land we live on. I
do think it really has connected me with Appalachia, more than anything else. I feel a
strong connection to the land I live on… [Climate activism] is a global issue, but it’s also
a very personal local issue.”
For several respondents, their personal connection to climate change was a specific visible effect impact of climate change that they or their families had witnessed. This is unique to Generation
Z as young people, as the visible effects of climate change have become more widespread over the past few years. This direct familial connection leads directly to further motivation for activism in the climate movement.
For those who have not yet experienced specific instances of climate change, they still feel the pressure of climate change and its effects on their lives personally, as young people whose climate futures are ambiguous. Of those who cited personal reasons for joining the movement, Respondent 4 stated:
“What got me involved was hearing about it and knowing how I would be personally
impacted because of where I am in my generation.”
Generation Z are often told how they will be directly impacted by climate change at some point in their lives, and this respondent was moved into becoming an activist because of this personal connection. Respondent 7 spoke about how her emotions have been getting worse surrounding her personal stake in the climate movement. She stated: 36
“Lots of emotions. I think that as this crisis is continuing, I’m becoming increasingly
more worried for my own future.”
The threat of imminent climate change in the personal lives of young people takes a toll on their mental health and emotional wellbeing. Respondent 2 stated:
“I think just the age we’re living in, in the climate crisis, it’s a very real threat. I do think
the impacts are real, and they’re right now.”
Because of this real and visible threat, Generation Z is more likely to have members of their generation become climate activists. Respondent 1 stated:
“[The climate crisis] is going to affect [Generation Z] the most. So, we’re willing to put
forth the effort.”
The activists went as far to say that they have no choice but to combat the issues that they have grown up accustomed to. Respondent 6 said:
“Not to sound like a pessimist, but we have been raised with so many problems. We have
no choice but to fight back, because it’s all we’ve ever known. I don’t think it’s wrong to
want something better.”
While environmental problems have existed for centuries and different groups have fought back to retain their land and resources, the future of the climate crisis is a completely new and partly unfathomable idea. The issues that young people have been facing so far due to the climate crisis are only the beginning of the effects of climate change that the world is going to face. It is going to be crucial that the climate stories and experiences of young people are listened to, especially by those in power. The stories of youth climate activists offer insight into what a climate change prevention and adaptation plan for the future needs to look like.
37
Uncertainty
When analyzing the respondents’ biggest concerns, every response had a continuous theme of anxiety or worry about the ambiguous future that they know they will face. This repeated theme led me to the conclusion that diminishing climate uncertainty will lead to a more successful Generation Z, less burdened by climate stress, who will then be able to proactively create a better climate future.
As previously analyzed, several respondents mentioned that the visible impacts of climate change influenced them to take action with the climate movement. The future of the impacts of climate change remains unknown. There are predictions about what the exacerbated effects of climate change may look like, (Figure 2), but no one knows for sure what this may entail. The uncertainty of natural disasters, dangerously high temperatures, increased forest fires, reduced air quality, flooding, polluted water, and other harmful impacts of climate change make it difficult for Generation Z to prepare for the future.
In terms of their personal goals for the future, the majority of respondents did not mention a specific career goal. This was attributed to an uncertain future, and participants struggled to realistically picture their future careers. Respondent 6 stated:
“I think that’s really hard, because everyone has goals, but whether or not they’re
attainable… I think a lot of climate activists feel very jaded. Especially some of the more
progressive climate activists.”
Many activists expressed interests in staying involved with the climate movement as much as possible as they grow older and begin their careers, but they did not have many specific, attainable goals lined up for retaining a career in the climate movement. Several activists admitted that their goal is to remain active in the climate movement, but they were aware that it 38 would be harder to make money pursuing this as a career. Clearly, career-related support for climate activists would be helpful. These young people feel passionate about this movement, but they are faced with the reality that they have to make a living and support themselves as well.
When asked about the future of the climate movement as a whole, the activists expressed similar concerns about the uncertainty of the future. Respondent 4 said:
“I’m not sure, to be completely honest. The biggest problem is there’s no foreseeable
future, because so many things are rapidly changing so fast, and I think that’s one of my
biggest concerns.”
The climate future is unknown, and the climate present is also rapidly changing, as mentioned by this respondent. This continued uncertainty paired with an erratic climate reality heightens the subsequent stress that young people feel about their ultimate wellbeing.
While it is understandable for young people to experience uncertainty regarding their future careers, the respondents communicated a clear frustration about not knowing what climate and environmental jobs are available to them. Over half of respondents did not mention that they had a specific career goal, and several mentioned it is difficult for young climate activists to set goals for their own futures. The environmental and climate job market changes often, and the stability of the climate future is unknown. Several respondents mentioned feeling jaded, even as young as they are. This is a concerning point. Many respondents expressed becoming a climate activist because they are passionate about climate justice, yet they are unsure of where to go once they graduate high school and begin looking for careers. Along with the aforementioned mental health resources, I recommend programs and resources that focus on the career opportunities for climate activists. 39
When discussing climate organizing methods, several respondents mentioned that the uncertainty of the Covid-19 pandemic and how it affects organizing makes them feel unsure of the future of the climate movement. Respondent 6 stated that due to the pandemic, direct action organizing has become more difficult and uncertain for her. She said:
“We were in the midst of planning our March [2020] strike when obviously, things
changed… Everything’s kind of in fluctuation right now, as we don’t know how anything
will go.”
The climate crisis and the Covid-19 pandemic are intertwined. Both of these issues affect the global community and are extreme public health risks, disproportionately so to marginalized populations. The Covid-19 pandemic is currently an unavoidable obstacle, and it is important, regardless, to establish a solution to the pandemic in order to move forward with true climate progress.
Emotionally, “uncertainty,” “anxiety,” “fear,” and “worry,” were some of those most frequently mentioned feelings amongst the youth climate activists. Anxiety about an unknown future can have major effects on young people. As previously mentioned, one of the largest stressors (other than climate change) for Generation Z is poor mental health. Respondent 6 stated:
“I think everyone should have fear, because things are getting bad pretty fast… I think of
fear, anxiety, uncertainty, all of these things.”
The ongoing threat of imminent climate disaster is a major stressor for this generation, and it will be crucial to include a mental health support system and resources for communities in order to successfully combat the climate crisis. Further research to investigate the long-term impacts of the climate crisis on the mental health of Generation Z as they grow older, and as climate change 40 progresses will be important. In order to address the mental health statuses of young people, mental health professionals will need to be knowledgeable about the impact that the climate crisis can have on young people’s wellbeing. These knowledgeable health professionals should also be fully accessible to young activists. There has been some research done on this subject, but the phenomenon of youth climate stress and anxiety is relatively new and worth researching further.
The most frequent response when asked about Generation Z’s uniqueness was the adverse stressors they encounter, including the visible effects of climate change. With time, these stressors will only be amplified without significant climate policy. (Additionally, as discussed in the literature review, their other unique stressors such as gun violence, mental health issues, and an unstable political climate will not be solved unless swift policy changes are enacted as well.)
The major goal for the climate movement emphasized by respondents was an overall need to fix the climate crisis, as well a need to ensure a secure climate future for generations down the line.
Within these answers, respondents further emphasized a need for quick climate action, since the effects of climate change are already occurring, and without immediate action, will only get worse, heavily contributing to the uncertainty of their own climate futures. Adding another layer of uncertainty, these decisions are out of the hands of Generation Z, and quick climate policy can only be implemented by those in power. Respondent 9 stated:
“The future [of the climate movement] is for things to happen now, specifically within
governments, to start pushing for climate policies, getting the Green New Deal on,
joining the Paris Accord again. Really pushing for these policies with teeth, rather than
these lofty goals, and they should be super immediate.” 41
The future of the climate movement will be determined by the present climate policy decisions being made. The future of the climate movement and of the climate crisis are not so far away, and one of the main takeaways from conversations with these activists is that climate policy cannot be surface-level or trivial, they must make substantial changes in the systems that have perpetuated the climate crisis.
Building community
A large and unexpected theme is the youth activists’ prioritization of building communities through their climate activism. While youth climate activists do have other, more measurable, goals, there was a consistent theme of community building amongst their answers to several questions. Respondent 7 stated:
“My biggest goal in the next year is just to continue building communities that are rooted
in love and empathy for one another. I think that that is what has the power to change
things, not some politician in their nice suit, or whatever.
Like this respondent stated, this community building is rooted in the idea of love and empathy for each other as human beings. Respondent 6 mentioned that their main goal would be to continue “cultivating more communities that are centered around radical love, radical empathy, radical care.” Similarly, Respondent 8 stated:
“I really do think that the biggest thing is this whole community, this sense of
community, this sense of radical love and care. The climate movement to me is about
making changes, not just for a better world for yourself, but for the people around you
and the people you care about.” 42
Respondent 7 also stated, “What we’re really focused on is the importance of building communities and the importance of education.” After speaking on specific goals and potential outcomes of the climate movement, the activists’ ultimate goals and priorities were to build community and to continue to educate people.
Ensuring a better world for future generations ranks high on respondent’s priorities and goals as well, and the idea of community building is intertwined with this. Respondent 8 said:
“All I have is to leave behind as good a world as possible for my future kids. A world
where, probably, climate change has not completely been reversed, but where everyone’s
more motivated to work together, where there’s more of that sense of community and that
willingness to change.”
The activists were united in their perspective that community-based thinking will lead to beneficial climate policy and a world that values what the climate movement also values.
In the era of a pandemic, it is harder to foster a physical community. Even with social media, where there is potential to build online communities, activists expressed frustration with fostering communities during a time where in-person activities are limited. This struggle adds another layer of uncertainty to the youth climate movement as well. Respondent 2 expressed how important place-based communities are: “We have to actually be connected to a community and to a land in order to really create change. I just don’t think people are truly connected in that way over social media.” This struggle continues, and as the pandemic inevitably diminishes, there is hope for place-based community building surrounding climate activism. Generation Z’s ability to create communities around climate change activism, and whether or not they are mostly virtual or physical after the pandemic, will be an important topic for future research. Additionally, in the 43 years to come, it will be interesting to see where Generation Z’s climate communities end up, and what they entail in the uncertain climate future that is yet to be determined.
Preceding generations
The majority of youth climate activists did not place blame on older generations for perpetuating or causing the climate crisis. While some did express resentment or feelings of frustration towards their predecessors, it did not lead to the conclusion that older generations are to blame for the crisis. Instead, young climate activists place blame on three different generalized entities, corporations, the government, and capitalism. Respondent 3 stated:
“It’s not necessarily the people, it’s more so big business that doesn’t care. They want
profits over people’s lives.”
Generation Z consistently calls out the difference between individual people and big businesses, who are still a subset of people, but can be regarded as uncaring, powerful, institutions as well.
Respondent 8 expressed their emotions about the climate crisis, putting their negative emotions towards structures of power. She stated that she felt “anxiety, worry, anger, frustration at the government, at capitalism.” She elaborated that Generation Z is unique because of their focus on dismantling capitalism:
“We are acknowledging more fault at hand that capitalism has played. I think that Gen Z
is doing a better job of communicating how it is ultimately capitalism that led to this, and
it is only through the dismantling of capitalism that we can truly stop [the climate crisis].”
In line with other modern social movements, activists have shifted to exposing the harmful grip that capitalism holds on society, and how it is truly the culprit of the climate crisis. Respondent
10 asserted that animosity towards older generations, (they referred to older generations using 44 the slang term “Boomers” in this instance), is not inherently because of age, but instead it is an
American phenomenon of resenting the corrupt systems the country was built around. They said:
“Yeah, boomers suck. I don’t think that’s a generational thing. I just think that’s an
American thing. I think this country is horrible. It’s been this proto-fascist empire for
however many hundreds of years it’s been alive, and people refuse to admit it.”
Respondent 10 also stated that they intentionally focus on educating others about how capitalism has perpetuated the climate crisis and systems of oppression:
“We focus a lot on trying to lay the groundwork of political education for people, to
radicalize them… And so, we try to put out information that is good, we try to be pretty
firmly anti-capitalist in our rhetoric… Politicizing maybe what is seen as everyday
occurrences but which are issues of environmental justice, or environmental racism, those
are things we try and shed light on.”
Respondent 9 spoke about how the older generation as a whole cannot be blamed, and that those in power are a specific subgroup of wealthy, white, cisgender men who are the main problem.
They stated:
“It’s cisgender white men who have really had so much influence, and it’s put us in the
place we are now… Those older folks that are denying climate change, environmental
degradation… are definitely adversely impacting our futures.”
While they refer to “older folks” in this statement, what they mean is those in power, those white, cisgender men who have made negatively impactful decisions that attributes to the harm of young people’s climate futures.
Furthermore, the activists emphasized that blaming older generations for the climate crisis would ultimately be blaming individuals, which is not what they believe. In fact, they 45 believe that blaming individuals for the climate crisis is extremely harmful rhetoric that results in losing accountability for those actually responsible. Respondent 6 stated:
“I think that our government could be doing so much more to regulate corporations, and
they have the power to fix the climate crisis. They’re not. That’s not on individuals, that’s
on them.”
There has been a push within Generation Z’s climate activism, to transition away from blaming any individuals for the climate crisis when in reality, a handful of corporations and the governments that enable them are the true culprits of the climate crisis.
I conclude that Generation Z is less worried about the climate past and is more concerned about the uncertain climate future. Moving forward, intergenerational climate action must be utilized in order to make accountable those who Generation Z do place blame upon, those in power who contribute to the majority of pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Ultimately, the lack of blame and animosity held against older generations is evident to another resounding theme throughout interviews with climate activists, intersectionality.
Intersectionality and Racial Justice
A consistent theme throughout the youth climate activists’ discussions is their emphasis on intersectionality. The way the activists described intersectionality includes upholding racial justice, fixing wealth disparities, encompassing intergenerational representation, promoting
Indigenous leadership through the Land Back campaign, amplifying the voices of the disabled and houseless, and incorporating other proactive and inclusive ideas.
Respondent 7 spoke about how a different social movement inspired her to pursue activism, which ultimately led to her passion for environmental and climate activism. She stated: 46
“I just knew that what I wanted to focus on specifically was environmentalism. I think it
is one of those issues where you can really talk about so many different things, systems,
and institutions, and how they’re all working together to perpetuate the climate crisis.”
This respondent realized that her passion for environmentalism is multifaceted. Environmental and climate issues impact all people and areas, and the youth climate movement accentuates this point.
Respondent 10 further asserted that Generation Z is unique because of their social justice- oriented activism, and their youth-oriented activism. They stated,
“A unique comment on the climate movement at this point in time, which I think is
partially a reflection of Gen Z, because it tends to be very youth-led, there is an
increasing focus on this idea of climate justice, as opposed to just kind of rote
environmentalism. A lot of climate activists, they’re being very sure to incorporate social
justice demands into their rhetoric.”
Social justice continues to be one of the main themes throughout youth climate activism and intersectionality. Intersectionality, to these activists, means prioritizing the needs of those oppressed by environmental injustices, perpetuated by systems of subjection that they are working to change.
Climate activists recognize the importance of reforming systems of oppression that have perpetuated the climate crisis. There is a resounding disappointment amongst young activists towards the systems in which America functions. They diagnose that systems of oppression do not only perpetuate the climate crisis, but it perpetuates racism, sexism, poverty, and other social issues as well. Respondent 4 stated that successful activism would mean “not just reforming the 47 system in which we address climate change, it’s creating a new system where we address climate change, racial justice, equality and equity.” They later elaborated by stating:
“To me, it’s about abolishing the current systems of oppression and destruction against
the environment and against the people that occupy it and creating new systems to help
those people, to protect those people, to protect the environment as well.”
Abolishing harmful systems is an overall goal for Generation Z, as their focus on social justice demands that these systems be dealt with. Respondent 8 connected the visible effects of climate change and their disproportionate effects on people of color, furthering the connection between the climate movement and the racial justice movement. She stated:
“I felt motivated to join because, living in the Columbus area, you can see the effects on
urban areas and communities of people of color. I wanted to have a hand in trying to
change that.”
Emphasizing the importance of linking the environmental and climate movements and the racial justice movement, Respondent 6 stated:
“We can help those who are being affected by this. So, a lot of our work also focuses on
racial justice and things like that, because you cannot separate environmental justice and
racial justice.”
Intertwined with their intersectionality is the value that marginalized voices must be uplifted in the climate movement. Overall, activists were very aware of their own privileges and recognized that a part of their own intersectionality means amplifying the voices of those who are being impacted the most by climate change. Respondent 7 stated: 48
“The thing that is really most important for me is that I’m working on centering
marginalized voices in our work. For us, we recognize that long-standing systems of
oppression and institutions are basically what have built this climate crisis.”
Similarly, Respondent 4 stated:
“As an activist in general, I would probably say that I try to put activists of color,
disabled activists, former homeless activists, ahead of me. I want to support them and use
my privilege and resources to help them.”
For these climate activists, a notable first step in fighting racial and environmental injustices is to amplify the voices of these marginalized communities. By making space for the activists and those affected by these injustices, realistic and proactive solutions can be found. Three respondents directly mentioned intersectionality and diversity as what they envision for the future of the climate movement. Respondent 9 said:
“Black, Indigenous, and people of color, their voices should be amplified during this.
Because if we talk about sustainability, sustainability for who? The future is
intersectional.”
Similarly, Respondent 6 stated:
“I hope that [the future of the climate movement] will feature more diverse voices. I think
it’s really important to recognize the communities who are being harmed now, and who
will be harmed soon. People who are houseless, people of color, low-income
communities, people like that. Their voices should be centered in this movement… I
hope to see more intersectionality and equity in the climate movement.”
In the same vein, Respondent 2 said: 49
“I hope that [the future of the climate movement] will look very intersectional. I think
that environmental and racial justice are two sides of the same coin. I think it’s really
important that those two movements unite.”
Generally, Respondent 9 spoke about how there is inherent value in creative and professional spaces that are intersectional. They said:
“I love creative spaces, I love personal expression, I love being able to include a lot of
different people from different backgrounds, different stories.”
While seeking racial justice is a priority for the activists, it is also important to note that they also place significance on intersectionality as a value throughout their lives and professional careers, as intersectionality brings diversity and value to any space.
One respondent mentioned the importance of achieving collective liberation for all people as one of the main goals of her climate activism. Respondent 7 stated:
“I would say my goal in any kind of organizing is achieving collective liberation. I think
that, applied to the climate crisis, I am working towards a just and free society for every
single human being… Really, what I’m most interested in is liberation for all of us.”
Ultimately, Generation Z’s intersectionality is rooted in their passion for achieving liberation for all people and freeing them of the harmful systems of oppression that they have been subjected to.
Relating back to the idea of youth activists’ perceptions of older generations, activists made it clear that older generations cannot be discounted because of the actions of a few powerful individuals. Participants valued the resource that older generations provide and asserted that true intersectionality in the climate movement would involve people of all ages. Respondent
6 stated: 50
“There’s a lot of value in working with people who have different experiences than you. I
don’t think that the youth have all the answers.”
Older generations have provided helpful resources, activists, and support for the younger generations. Respondent 2 stated:
“I do think that a lot of the activist strategies we see now… they come from strategies
that anti-war protestors in the 1960s used, and so I do think we have to be mindful of the
legacy of those activists left for us.”
It is important to these activists that they do not receive all of the credit for the climate work that they are doing. They note that their generation did not invent radical environmentalism, the environmental movement, or many organizing tactics. Respondent 7 stated:
“I know so many wonderful and radical activists who have been doing this work for 50
years, who were out here saying that pipelines were bad before it was general knowledge
that pipelines are bad… I am so thankful that [older activists] are here, and they’re still in
the movement, and they’re still fighting, and it gives me hope that people can continue to
do this work.”
Additionally, the activists know that there have been people fighting for injustices across the board for decades and generations, and that they were not given the publicity or attention that these issues deserved to have. Respondent 4 stated:
“I can’t fault an entire generation because there have always been people advocating for
climate justice, racial justice, but they’ve been ignored by the general narrative.”
Respondent 10 further elaborated about the necessity of older generations’ participation in climate activism. They explained: 51
“The other thing I would say that is unique about Gen Z organizing specifically, and I
don’t necessarily think this is a positive, is there is a pretty sharp insistence on this idea of
a youth-led movement… I think sometimes there is this push not to allow adult
participation.”
While the youth climate movement has its own value inherently because it is youth-led, these activists emphasize that the climate movement is still the same climate movement, no matter who is on the frontlines fighting for it. Overall, this view of older generations is a surprising and hopeful outlook for a climate future in which all people can actively participate in the climate movement and work towards the best possible outcome as a collective.
Intersectionality, as well as social justice-oriented activism, is vital in Generation Z’s climate activism. In the future, it will be crucial to incorporate these values in order to create an inclusive climate movement, as well as a political climate future that regards the environmental and climate rights of all people as important.
Empowerment
Generation Z is empowered. Their activism brings them empowerment, and they are aware that the work that they do has the ability to change the world for the better. A part of
Generation Z’s unique sense of empowerment is their focus on activism that does not depend on a government or other power to approve of their actions. Respondent 7 stated that her idea of successful activism has shifted, and that she used to believe that electoral and policy-based activism would be most successful. She said: 52
“I really thought that the way to make sustainable change was just by getting progressives
in office… I’ve gotten into more radical movements of organizing that now I think my
perspective on that has definitely shifted.”
She also mentioned that while her focus on federal electoral work has dwindled, there is value in local electoral work, “that was organized by the people rather than by someone in power.”
When discussing his emotional response to the climate crisis, Respondent 9 stated,
“Ultimately, it would come from this place of fear, sadness, hopelessness, to hope, agency, empowerment. It’s full spectrum. It depends on the day, it fluctuates, but more recently, it’s been on that empowered side.” While Generation Z faces its fair share of climate fear and anxiety, their unique perspective also brings forth a unique sense of empowerment for the future. They know that the climate future is uncertain and might be bleak, but it is in knowing that they have a like-minded community and a sense of togetherness in their shared experiences that uplifts their activism. Respondent 6 stated, “There’s kind of a sense of unity within our generation, where I feel like we do kind of choose to work together.”
Generation Z’s access and use of social media is also unique to their generation. Activists drew a connection between social media and a sense of empowerment. Respondent 4 stated that
Generation Z is exposed to educational material and activism from a younger age through social media, which makes them unique in their knowledge. She said:
“Social media and widespread internet use have really radicalized and indoctrinated Gen
Z into political and activist circles a lot sooner in life than would normally be… I think
from a younger age, they’re more aware, and that can help them disrupt the systems in
which they are a part of, young in their life instead of later.” 53
Respondent 9 also spoke about how Generation Z’s unique connection to social media creates a sense of empowerment. He stated:
“I think this connection that social media has really allowed us to combine those passions
for climate activism. Especially younger generations, who are so much more tech savvy,
who’ve grown up with technology, it’s really empowered us. It’s really empowered us to
fight for what we believe in.”
Generation Z are huge drivers of online content, they are the most active generation online and they produce content every day. Social media allows them a positive and unique experience of climate activism that differs from other generations.
While social media is a definitely a positive force in the movement, issues like performative activism can cause division in climate activism. However, Respondent 7 stated that although performative activism is a major concern throughout social media, it can also be seen as an opportunity. She stated:
“We’ve seen people proclaim that they’re climate activists, and all they’ve ever done is
post on social media, or buy sustainable clothing, and that somehow makes you a climate
organizer or something… We see that there are people who are interested in the issue, but
they don’t quite know how to get involved. That’s how I diagnose that problem of
performative activism… What I’m really trying to do is make movements accessible for
young people.”
Performative activism in itself may be a downside to increased social media activism, but it also presents an opportunity to peer-educate young people and create more efficient climate activists in the process. The initial problem of performative activism transforms into an opportunity for outreach. The goal is not to shame those who are guilty of performative activism, but to connect 54 them to resources, climate organizations they can join, and other ways that they can further the climate movement.
Respondent 7 discussed her goals for the future and the sense of empowerment that she has gained by being involved in the youth climate movement. She stated:
“All I can say is that I really just want to continue building organizing communities
because it has been the most fulfilling experience of my life. I often say that being within
an organizing community sometimes feels like you’re already free. Just being around
people who have such a deep understanding of liberation and already act in ways of
transformative justice and already act in all of these revolutionary ways, has been the best
thing that’s ever happened in my life.”
While the fear of climate disaster still looms over this generation, it is certain that this crisis has created a culture of radical love, empathy, and community, that has brought about a unique sense of empowerment and perspective about the climate movement.
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Conclusion
Each climate activist in Generation Z has a climate story to tell. Members of this generation will feel the effects of climate change. Because of this reality, it will be important in the future to listen to the climate stories of young people. This is especially important for older people who hold positions of power. In general, older generations lack a personal connection to climate change. Older, white, wealthy people who hold power in the United States have likely never experienced climate disaster before. By genuinely listening to the climate stories of young people, the dire consequences of ignoring the climate crisis are made more visible.
Every major issue discussed throughout this study can be linked to a fear of uncertainty in youth climate activists. They face uncertainty in basically every sector of their futures as individuals and members of different communities. Further research should investigate the best methods of reducing uncertainty for the future. This may include immediately effective climate policy, mental health resources for those feeling climate anxiety, as well as career opportunities and encouragement for those seeking out a career related to the climate crisis.
A major and unexpected theme throughout this research was Generation Z’s prioritization of community building in their climate activism. When asked about what the climate movement was ultimately about, or when asked what their main goals were, a common answer was to retain and build communities. In line with this discovery, further research into the phenomenon of
Generation Z’s climate activism communities will provide additional insights into youth climate activism. Because many of these young people are still children and many of them are dependents, it is not yet known what these communities will develop into in the future. It will be interesting to see where these communities are physically cultivated. Additionally, the obstacle of Covid-19 changes the way that communities can be put together. Social media offers a unique 56 platform for online communities, and it has shown to make a positive impact on Generation Z and their climate outreach. However, many members of Generation Z also question the ability of social media to create meaningful and long-lasting communities. To promote more meaningful community building, it will be important that countries the United States along with other nations develop pandemic response plans that are more successful than what has been seen in with the Covid-19 pandemic. Preventing the loss of physical community spaces is more proactive than adapting to a new online society.
The divide between Generation Z and their predecessors has been politically stark over the past decade. Based on this thesis research, Generation Z climate activists do not hold compelling animosity towards older generations in terms of the climate crisis, contrary to prevailing opinion. Generation Z activists recognize that in order to truly value intersectionality in the climate movement, all ages need to be welcomed and celebrated, and that every age group has value as activists. Further research can elucidate bridge building across generations in climate activism. The divide between older and younger generations has always existed politically, but an issue like climate change has drastic implications that should be able to bring generations together. Additionally, generations younger than Generation Z have yet to be studied when it comes to their climate future. Generation Z is caught in between older generations that most likely will not be very effected by climate change, and by younger generations who are very likely to be heavily and directly impacted throughout their lives. While the effects of climate change are impossible to immediately reverse, younger generations may be severely and avoidably impacted if substantial climate policy changes are not made. Because of their unique position as the youngest generation alive to be impacted by climate change, it will be crucial in the future to heed their policy concerns and goals as fast as possible. 57
As previously mentioned, intersectionality is important to Generation Z climate activists.
They purposefully emphasize the need to include people from all races, classes, abilities, genders, and backgrounds in the climate movement, and furthermore, in climate policy decision making. Ultimately, Generation Z knows that the future of the climate movement cannot be whitewashed or male-centered because those paradigms are what created the climate crisis in the first place, as well as oppressive systems that forged other crises and systems of oppression.
They are also aware that those affected most by the climate crisis, today and in the future, are marginalized populations. For the future, it is absolutely crucial that governments, political institutions, corporations, and other societal authorities take Generation Z seriously in their message of social and environmental justice. Additionally, more research into the specifics of
Generation Z’s climate intersectionality is important in order to keep the momentum of this important value going.
Lastly, Generation Z embodies a sense of empowerment that is unique to their generation. They are conscious of their ability to make a political statement, and they know that their work is important and that it matters for the good of society. Future research should investigate the influence of Generation Z’s climate activism on development and implementation of beneficial climate policy that can avert the climate crisis. While the future is still unknown, it is evident that there are different paths that the world can follow. One path involves listening to
Generation Z, supporting their values of intersectionality, community, and social justice. This path includes climate policy that is fast-acting and holds corporations accountable for perpetuating the climate crisis. Another path abandons an entire generation in the face of imminent global climate disaster. Generation Z’s young adulthood sits on the precipice of the decisions that will determine what path we will go down. Soon enough, Generation Z will be the 58 leaders of the climate movement and the world at large. We know what this generation wants because they are unafraid to boldly proclaim their demands for the future. It is up to those in power to listen and act, quickly.
59
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Appendix
Appendix A – IRB Certification
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Appendix B - Tables
R. = Respondent
Table 1: Motivation for joining the climate movement
Table showing the respondent’s answers when asked the question, “What motivated you to join the climate movement?”
R. 1 R. 2 R. 3 R. 4 R. 5 R. 6 R. 7 R. 8 R. 9 R. 10 Motivations X X X were accidental or coincidental Motivations X X X X were personal or family- based Motivations X stemmed from an outside social movement Motivations X X X X arose from the visible effects of climate change in their area 65
Motivations X come from searching for a community
Motivation X stems from the inaction of others
Table 2: Methods of climate activism
Table depicting the answers of each method of climate activism mentioned throughout interviews when asked the question, “What methods of climate activism have you been involved in?”
R. 1 R. 2 R. 3 R. 4 R. 5 R. 6 R. 7 R. 8 R. 9 R. 10 Total Direct Action X X X X X X X X X 9 Organizing
Electoral and X X X 3 policy work
Social media X X X X X 5 activism and outreach
Educational X X X X X 5 outreach (other than social media) Working X 1 with nonprofits
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Table 3: Emotions surrounding the climate crisis
Table depicting each emotion respondents answered with when asked the question, “What are the emotions that you have surrounding the climate crisis?”
R. 1 R. 2 R. 3 R. 4 R. 5 R. 6 R. 7 R. 8 R. 9 R. Total 10 Fear X X X 3 Anxiety X X X X 4 Anger X X X X 4 Uncertainty X X 2 Pain X 1 Worry/Stress X X X 3 Disappointment X 1 Frustration X X 2 Nihilistic X 1 Empowerment X 1 Hope X X X X 4 Agency X 1
67
Table 4: Perception of preceding generations
Table depicting respondent’s views when asked, “How do you feel about the generations that came before us?” Results are categorized into whether or not respondents largely placed blame or expressed animosity towards older generations.
R. 1 R. 2 R. 3 R. 4 R. 5 R. 6 R. 7 R. 8 R. 9 R. 10 Total Preceding X X X 3 generations are to blame for the climate crisis Preceding X X X X X X 6 generations cannot be blamed for the climate crisis Preceding X 1 generations can be partly attributed with causing the climate crisis
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Table 5: Generation Z’s Uniqueness
Table depicting respondents’ answers when asked the question, “What do you think makes
Generation Z unique in their approach to the climate crisis?”
R. 1 R. 2 R. 3 R. 4 R. 5 R. 6 R. 7 R. 8 R. 9 R. 10 Total Social media X X X X X 5 usage and activism
Unique X X X X 4 stressors, (including visible climate change) Social X 1 justice- oriented
Youth- X 1 oriented movement overall Unique sense X X X 2 of empowerme nt 69
Radical new X 1 ideas and solutions
Table 6: Social media and the climate movement
Table showing the respondent’s opinion of social media, whether majority negative or positive.
R. 1 R. 2 R. 3 R. 4 R. 5 R. 6 R. 7 R. 8 R. 9 R. 10 Total
Social X X X X X X X X X 9 media has a positive impact on climate activism Social X 1 media has a negative impact on climate activism
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Table 7: Goals (Movement)
Table depicting respondents’ answers when asked the question, “What are your major goals as a youth climate activist?” This table represents their goals for the climate movement as a whole.
R. 1 R. 2 R. 3 R. 4 R. 5 R. 6 R. 7 R. 8 R. 9 R. 10 Total Fixing the X X X X 4 climate crisis
Building X X X X X 5 individual communities
Abolishing X 1 oppressive systems and creating new ones Ensuring a X X X X 4 better world for future generations 71
Increasing X X X 3 education and radicalizatio n Amplifying X X X 3 the voices of marginalized communities Achieving X 1 collective liberation
Table 8: Goals (Personal)
Table depicting respondents’ answers when asked the question, “What are your major goals as a youth climate activist?” This table represents their individual career/involvement goals moving forward in the climate movement.
R. 1 R. 2 R. 3 R. 4 R. 5 R. 6 R. 7 R. 8 R. 9 R. 10 Total Government X 1 work
Continuing X X X 3 climate organizing as a career Law career X X 2 72
Creative field X 1
Unknown X X X X X 5
Table 9: Future of the Climate Movement
Table depicting respondents’ answers to the question, “What do you think the future of the climate movement will look like?”
R. 1 R. 2 R. 3 R. 4 R. 5 R. 6 R. 7 R. 8 R. 9 R. 10 Total Increased X X X X 4 turnout and climate action organizing Swift climate X X 2 policy action
Increased X X X 3 diversity and intersectional ity 73
Increased X 1 unity between climate activists Systemic X X 2 change
Unsure X 1