“Find a Place Where You Can Be a Part of the Change”: A Thematic Analysis of the Conditions that Influence Direct, Collective Pro-Environmental Activism

Abstract

The harmful impacts of climate change are becoming increasingly apparent across many aspects of society, and pro-environmental collective activism may help slow its progression. While previous research underscores several factors that shape participation in pro-environmental collective activism, much of this research is informed by quantitative data. This study used qualitative methods to investigate the conditions that shape participation in collective pro-environmental activism. This study drew on four in-depth interviews with climate activists recently engaged in direct action. Data were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. Three themes are presented: (a) Tangible and local instances of environmental and social injustices encourage people to act on existing environmental and political values; (b) Activists are motivated to participate in collective activism by a need to belong; (c) A sense of hopeful group efficacy counteracts negative affect about the climate crisis. These findings demonstrate the interactive nature of the conditions that support proenvironmental activism