"It shows we are serious": Young people in Australia discuss climate justice protests as a mechanism for climate change advocacy and action

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

Perceptions of the risks associated with the climate crisis are shaped by a range of social and political contexts and information sources. While some have expressed concerns about the impact of the spread of climate misinformation through social media platforms on young people, others have shown that the youth climate movement has played a key role in countering misinformation. Despite this, there has been very limited research with children about how they conceptualize the risks associated with the climate crisis, how they receive climate information, and how they understand and apply this to their own and others' lives. The following qualitative study used photo-elicitation techniques and in-depth interviews with Australian children to address this gap. A total of n = 28 children (12-16 years) participated, with four themes constructed from the data using a reflexive approach to thematic analysis. Children were concerned about how the climate crisis would continue to harm their futures and the health of planet and people. They recognized that some groups and countries would experience more risks associated with the climate crisis as compared to others. While they received information from a range of different sources (school, family, social media), they mostly used social media to seek out climate information. They recognized that social media sites could be a source of climate misinformation, and argued that a range of strategies were needed to identify and counter false information about the climate crisis. Children's perspectives must be harnessed to improve information about climate risks and action.

Australian youth perspectives on the role of social media in climate action

OBJECTIVE

The climate crisis poses a significant public health threat to current and future generations. Limited research has examined young people's perspectives about the role of social media for climate awareness, action, and policy change.

METHODS

Qualitatively led online survey of n=500 young Australians (aged 15-24). Questions focused on the effectiveness of social media platforms in communicating the need for climate action, with TikTok videos used to prompt about appeal strategies and campaigns. Data were analysed using a reflexive approach to thematic analysis.

RESULTS

Participants perceived that social media platforms were a powerful and inclusive communication mechanism for climate action. Social media had the ability to reach diverse audiences and connect young people globally. Limitations included influencing key decision makers and risks associated with misinformation and disinformation. Participants supported messages that highlighted the urgent need for action, trusted celebrity and youth voices, and practical information to engage in action.

CONCLUSIONS

Social media presents a powerful opportunity for engaging young people in discussions and decisions made about the climate crisis.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PUBLIC HEALTH

The public health community should be guided by young people in developing a range of social media mechanisms to empower them to have a seat at the table in public health responses to climate.

Australian young people's perceptions of the commercial determinants of the climate crisis

There is increasing public health focus on how corporate practices impact population health and well-being. While the commercial determinants of the climate crisis pose serious threats to human and planetary health, governments largely seek to balance climate action with economic imperatives. Global stakeholders recognize that young people have important voices in influencing climate responses. However, few studies have investigated young people's perceptions of the commercial determinants of the climate crisis. A qualitatively led online survey of n = 500 young Australians (15-24 years) investigated their understanding of corporate responses to the climate crisis, factors that influenced these responses and strategies to respond. A reflexive approach to thematic analysis was used. Three themes were constructed from the data. First, young people perceived that corporate responses to the climate crisis focussed on soft options and lacked meaningful action. Second, they stated that these responses were largely influenced by economic imperatives rather than planetary health, with policy levers needed to implement environmentally responsible corporate practices. Third, young people perceived that systems needed change to create demand for a cleaner environment, leading to improved practices. Young people have a clear understanding of the commercial determinants of the climate crisis and associated threats to population health. They recognize that corporate practices (and consumer demand) will not change without significant policy and structural change. Public health and health promotion stakeholders should work alongside young people to influence decision-makers to address harmful corporate behaviours.