Promoting Positive Ocean Behaviors

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session 12
  In Roundtable Session: Designing Socially Just Opportunities for Equitable and Diverse Environmental and Climate Change Education

Abstract

Climate change, overfishing, and pollution have impacted the ocean and its ecosystem for many years, putting this very precious resource in jeopardy. To protect this resource, lawmakers, corporations, and societal changes must promote sustainability practices. This study is focused on children who will be the change-makers of the present and the future. This pilot study aimed to answer the questions; what factors promote positive ocean behaviors in children and prevent positive ocean behaviors in children? Through this qualitative study, we discovered three themes the emerged, students felt; compelled to make environmental changes in their local community, empowered by tangible changes, and adults and policymakers were obstacles in their efforts to be pro-ocean.

Authors

• Meghan E. Marrero, Mercy College

• Kristen M Crawford, School District of the Chathams