Age and climate concerns
Concern and engagement on climate change is growing across all ages. But how does that concern vary across age groups?
Knowledge of an age differential can help us understand broader citizen engagement with climate change action, but also the specific concerns, motivations, responsibilities and engagement of different cohorts. That more nuanced understanding could help governments, civil society groups and the public understand how climate change might affect different cohorts differently, and why different sorts of engagement might be more popular or successful with different groups. Youth climate concern and action has recently received considerable attention due to young people’s growing involvement, their distinct perspectives and motivations, and their effective strategies for mobilization (Cripps 2022; Neas, et al 2022). But we know much less about the perceptions and participation of older citizens (over 60s). This briefing seeks to address that gap.