Life in the shadows: Young people’s experiences of climate change futures

Abstract

Climate change poses both immediate and anticipated challenges. With growing awareness of climate change and much of their life courses ahead, young people are distinctively positioned to experience anticipated challenges. This article reports the findings of a survey conducted among 1943 young people (15 – 19 years) living across Australia. The survey examined respondents’ knowledge, perceptions, and emotional experiences of climate change, and how these factors influence their views and decision-making regarding the future. Quantitative analysis indicates higher concern and impactful feelings about climate change, as well as personal proximity to climate change and taking climate action, were the most important predictors for how respondents made choices about their lives, and their outlook on the future. Through, qualitative analysis of open-ended five key themes emerged in respondents’ perceptions of climate futures: preparing for uncertainty, dependent on the powerful, disconnected from climate change, running out of time, and grieving a dead future. Overall, findings suggest climate change is a significant influence on how young people think about and make choices about their lives and the future. The present impacts of anticipated climate change in the lives of young people need greater recognition in research, policy and public discussion about climate change.