Australian young people's perspectives about the political determinants of the climate crisis

Abstract

Issue AddressedThere has been little focus on young people's views about the political determinants of the climate crisis. As young people are likely to be the group most impacted by political decisions relating to the climate crisis, it is essential to understand their views about government decision‐making.MethodsA qualitatively‐led online survey of n = 500 young Australians aged 15–24 years. Open text questions sought young people's views about current government climate policies, perceptions about policy effectiveness, and how governments could improve their climate responses. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to interpret and construct themes from the data.ResultsYoung people perceived that governments were not taking serious action on the climate crisis. They stated that climate policies were largely influenced by economic imperatives, rather than concern for the wellbeing of current and future generations. They perceived that governments had a duty of care to protect them from the climate crisis, and needed to engage young people in climate discussions and decision‐making.ConclusionsYoung people's perspectives about the political determinants of the climate crisis provides information about their understanding of government policies and their recommendations for action. There is a need for collaboration between young people and decision‐makers to urgently develop effective climate policies.So What?Young people understand key issues relating to the political determinants of the climate crisis. The health promotion community has a role in advocating for structural changes in policymaking processes to ensure young people have a seat at the decision‐making table.

‘You can’t really separate these risks, our environment, our animals and us’: Australian children’s perceptions of the risks of the climate crisis

“…This will also be important in challenging narratives from commercial actors such as the fossil fuel industry ( Arnot et al ., 2023b ; Pitt et al ., 2024 ). On a wider scale, there is a need for structural and systemic changes that enable children and young people to have influence in discussions and decisions about the climate crisis ( Arnot et al ., 2023c ; Arnot et al ., 2023a ). Global public health and health promotion communities have an important role to play in reframing climate narratives to harness motivations for action ( Maibach et al ., 2010 ).…”

“…Researchers also argue that perceptions of the threats posed by climate are closely linked to culture and place ( Taylor et al ., 2014 ), with perceptions of local climate change risks influencing people’s responses ( Weber, 2016 ). There is some indication, however, that there are also differences in intergenerational perceptions of climate risk, with young people exhibiting higher levels of concern as compared to older generations ( Arnot et al ., 2023a ; Arnot et al ., 2023b ). Young people also perceive that climate risks are caused by a lack of action by governments and high polluting industries, rather than as a consequence of individual behaviours ( Arnot et al ., 2023a ; Arnot et al ., 2023b ).…”

“…There is some indication, however, that there are also differences in intergenerational perceptions of climate risk, with young people exhibiting higher levels of concern as compared to older generations ( Arnot et al ., 2023a ; Arnot et al ., 2023b ). Young people also perceive that climate risks are caused by a lack of action by governments and high polluting industries, rather than as a consequence of individual behaviours ( Arnot et al ., 2023a ; Arnot et al ., 2023b ). This lack of action has motivated young people to engage in a range of advocacy and activism measures, including protests and climate strikes as a strategy to respond ( Brügger et al ., 2020 ; Arnot et al ., 2023c ).…”

Climate crisis risks to elderly health: strategies for effective promotion and response

“…Climate change constitutes a crisis ( Zeldin-O’Neill, 2019 ) driven by complex interplays of commercial ( Arnot et al , 2023a ; Gilmore et al , 2023 ), political ( Yeganeh et al , 2020 ; Arnot et al , 2023 ; Arnot et al , 2023b ) and social ( Dankelman and Naidu, 2020 ; Klinenberg et al , 2020 ; Gislason et al , 2021 ) factors, demanding immediate attention and action. Commercial activities, particularly in the fossil fuel industry, significantly drive the climate crisis through mechanisms including supply chains, industrial processes, global trade, transportation and resource extraction ( Gilmore et al , 2023 ).…”

“…These sectors release substantial carbon dioxide, intensifying the greenhouse effect and global warming. Profit motives also fuel excessive consumption and hinder sustainability ( Arnot et al , 2023b ). Political determinants, like government regulations and international agreements, are vital for climate action but are often influenced by economic imperatives, necessitating urgent responses to the climate crisis.…”