Youth Climate Change Activism: How Activism in Youth can be Encouraged to Help Combat Climate Change and Reduce Youth Health Impacts

Author

Lorely M. Ruiz, University of San FranciscoFollow

Date of Graduation

Summer 8-12-2022

Document Access

Project/Capstone - Global access

Degree Name

Master of Public Health (MPH)

College/School

School of Nursing and Health Professions

First Advisor

Dr. Kelly L'Engle

Abstract

While the effects of climate change are already affecting populations throughout the world, youth will have to deal with the full array of consequences due to the inaction of people in power and environmental regulation failures. Climate change is an issue that needs to be dealt with urgently due to the disproportionate burden it has on youth and future generations. A scoping literature review was conducted to analyze existing literature on climate change activism among youth throughout the globe. Research, practice, and policy recommendations were made to help address gaps in existing literature such as limited research on youth climate activists who have historically been underrepresented in existing spaces about climate change, literature on encouraging youth climate activism to help combat negative youth health impacts resulting from the climate crisis, and the overall lack of available literature on youth climate activism. The recommendations made are as follows: Research 1. Prioritize investigating how youth from developing countries and underrepresented communities are disproportionately affected by the climate crisis. 2. Conduct studies to analyze potential programs that can be used to encourage climate change youth activism. Practice 1. Encourage adult climate activists to mentor and encourage youth to participate in climate change activism. 2. Actively include youth from developing countries and historically underrepresented youth in existing climate change spaces. Policy 1. Include youth as stakeholders in the climate and environmental policy-making process. After analysis of the literature, it is recommended that a systematic literature review be conducted. Youth activism needs to be encouraged to mobilize both youth and members of their community to combat the worsening effects of climate change and the resulting health impacts affecting youth.

Recommended Citation

Ruiz, Lorely M., "Youth Climate Change Activism: How Activism in Youth can be Encouraged to Help Combat Climate Change and Reduce Youth Health Impacts" (2022). Master's Projects and Capstones. 1444.
https://repository.usfca.edu/capstone/1444