Youth climate change activists in Western Australia: A locally-based theory of their journey to activism

In this study youth climate change activists were interviewed regarding their activist activities. Using grounded theory methods a locally-based theory on their activism journey was generated. The central proposition was that youth climate change activists undergo a progressive journey both towards and throughout their activism. First, youth climate change activists move from climate change awareness to having concern. They then consciously commit to activism. Finally, they persist with their activist activities over time. This theory can be drawn upon when framing programs to ensure that youths are aware of climate change and the role they can play as global citizens.