Cross-generational perceptions on climate changeresolutive insights from youth and elder

Resumen

In a world increasingly dominated by conversations about climate change, this research delves deeper, exploring the disconnect between widespread awareness and the implementation of concrete actions to mitigate global warming and adapt to the energy transition. The study investigates this gap by focusing on the concerns of two distinct demographic groups: teenagers and adults. Conceived during the Zientzia Azoka event and developed through other events and sessions, the project actively engaged over 131 participants in a series of workshops. These participants spanned various age groups: 16 individuals under the age of 18, 110 adults between 18 and 65 years old, and 5 adults over 65 years old. The workshops employed qualitative methods, presenting participants with a range of potential climate crisis scenarios encompassing environmental challenges, energy shortages, and mobility restrictions. These scenarios explored situations such as insufficient renewable energy development leading to electricity shortages, extreme weather events causing food scarcity, and disruptions to travel due to fuel shortages. Participants’ responses to these scenarios were then subjected to a process of semi-quantification, enabling a more nuanced analysis of their concerns. The analysis revealed not only a clear awareness of these impending challenges among both teenagers and adults, but also a recognition of the substantial barriers hindering proactive solutions. These barriers encompassed economic constraints, a perceived lack of general awareness about the gravity of the situation, and the ever-evolving social landscape shaped by recent global events like the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine. However, amidst these anxieties, a glimmer of hope emerged. Participants identified a potential shift in societal behavior, possibly driven by these very crises. Thematic analysis of their responses revealed a strong emphasis on the crucial role of sufficiency in mitigating climate change. This highlights the importance of reducing consumption and waste rather than solely relying on technological advancements as the solution. Additionally, peer influence was recognized as a significant force in shaping attitudes and behaviors, suggesting a powerful avenue for promoting positive change. The political dimension of climate action also came into sharp focus. Participants demonstrated a sophisticated understanding of the complexities surrounding political processes and the challenges they present. They emphasized the need for clear and effective communication from political leaders, while acknowledging concerns about political motivations and the influence of special interest groups. This underscores the intricate relationship between politics, media, and public perception, highlighting the need for a multi-faceted approach to climate communication.