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From apathy through anxiety to action: emotions as motivators for youth climate strike leaders

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 October 2021

Maria L. Bright Open the ORCID record for Maria L. Bright [Opens in a new window]  and
Chris Eames Open the ORCID record for Chris Eames [Opens in a new window]
Maria L. Bright*
Affiliation:
University of Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand
Chris Eames
Affiliation:
University of Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand
*
*Corresponding author: E-mail: mlb46@waikato.ac.nz
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Abstract

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.

Keywords

actionclimate changeeducationyouth
Type
Article
Information
Australian Journal of Environmental Education , Volume 38 , Special Issue 1: School Strike for Climate , March 2022 , pp. 13 - 25
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Copyright
© The Author(s), 2021. Published by Cambridge University Press

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