Youth Perceptions of Climate Change and its Impact on Conservation Education

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Wednesday 9:45 am - Gold 3
  In Roundtable Session: Pathways to Purpose: Examining Youth Engagment in Informal Education Environments

Abstract

Youth increasingly view climate change as the defining polycrisis of their generation, with negative impacts on extreme weather, biodiversity, political tensions, economics, and public health. We examined the perceptions of climate change for youth in conservation programs at three zoos and an aquarium in New York City. Although climate-related flooding was identified as “normal,” youth identified climate disasters (such as a recent local flood) and political events (such as federal funding cuts) as creating barriers to participation in activism. These barriers lead to negative environmental emotions including environmental anxiety, grief, and frustration. Our findings suggest that youth perceive climate change as having multiple impacts on their conservation education experiences during a time when these programs are more important than ever.

Authors

• Tess Gavrielle Levinson, Wildlife Conservation Society

• Su-Jen Roberts, Wildlife Conservation Society