ABSTRACT

Young people are increasingly aware that CC impacts are now and will adversely affect their lives in the future, leading them to perceive the need to take action to demand changes in status-quo energy, transportation, agriculture, building design, and political/legal systems. A survey of young people aged 16–25 in ten counties found that 59% were extremely or very worried and 84% were moderately worried, resulting in 45% experiencing anxiety about the effects of CC on their lives. These concerns about CC have led many young people to assume activist stances on the need to address the climate crisis through digital media—videos, social media, blogs, podcasts, and digital art/music, given the centrality of digital media for interacting with each other. As youth voice increased concern about CC effects, teachers can support students by having them employ media to assume activist stances and communicate with authentic audiences about their environmental concerns.