"We Need to Care about This, and Yes the Facts Are Terrifying": Understanding Young People's Perspectives about Energy Transition and Climate Adaptation in Regional Australia

Abstract

This small-scale study examines young people's perspectives about energy transition and climate change adaptation in regional Gippsland, Victoria, Australia. As the opinions and experiences of children and youth have been historically overlooked in contemporary sustainability climate discourse and policy, this research investigates previously unheard accounts. The study draws on four facilitated "Conversations for Change" discussions with a total of 14 young people (aged 9–17) that explored their ideas and concerns about sustaining themselves and their communities during a time of climate change and energy transition. Their ideas and opinions about living in/with a climate-altered local and global future are reflected across four main themes: (a) young people's values; (b) perceptions of energy, transition and adaptation; (c) the enabling role of climate literacy for young people; and (d) responding to a just energy transition through collective endeavors.