Date of Graduation

Summer 8-8-2025

Document Access

Project/Capstone - Global access

Degree Name

Master of Public Health (MPH)

College/School

School of Nursing and Health Professions

Department/Program

Public Health

First Advisor

Dr. Kelly L'Engle

Second Advisor

Dr. Marcianna Nosek

Abstract

Background. Youth are especially vulnerable to climate change, both physically and psychologically. Combatting climate change will require a coordinated, global effort. Understanding the motivations and emotions behind climate activism is essential to coordinate efforts to combat climate change.

Methods. This research uses survey data collected from first and second year undergraduates (n=521) at a private, urban university in California in the Fall of 2022. Youth were surveyed on emotions related to climate change, activism, compassion, eco-anxiety, and well-being.

Results. Experiencing positive emotions had a stronger relationship with environmental activism compared to negative emotions.

Conclusion. Results suggest climate change communications should consider incorporating more positive emotions to encourage activism in youth, especially since previous research shows negative emotions in response to climate change are linked to poor mental health. More research is needed in this field on positive emotions, which are often ignored completely in studies in favor of negative emotions.

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