Centering the Voices of Youth Activists in the Fight for Climate Justice

Session Type: Duo Address

Abstract

Democracies depend on educated members of society who can make informed decisions about scientific issues. Oftentimes, the voices and perspectives of adults are centered in making decisions about these issues. Yet, youth make active and informed decisions to live in more socially just societies and will be the adults who make political decisions that impact the wellbeing and longevity of our communities and world.

This invited address brings together Dr. Gale Sinatra (University of Southern California) and Dr. Josefina Bañales (University of Illinois, Chicago) in conversation with youth activists about centering the voices of young people in the fight for climate justice. Dr. Sinatra will share research on the youth activism and how it reduces climate anxiety. Drawing on findings from her recently published book, Science Denial: Why It Happens and What to Do About It with Barbara Hofer (2021), she will address how psychological constructs (e.g., cognitive biases, emotions, identity, motivated reasoning) contribute to science denial, doubt, and resistance. Using a participatory action research lens, Dr. Bañales will facilitate a conversation with youth activist leaders about their motivations for climate justice activism, their dreams for the climate justice movement, and the tensions and challenges they face.

Finally, Dr. Sinatra, Dr. Bañales, and the youth activists will discuss suggestions and recommendations for researchers, practitioners, and policy makers for more inclusively centering the voices of marginalized communities in the climate justice movement, and pathways for promoting greater science understanding, acceptance, and motivated action.

Sub Unit

• Invited Program

Speakers

• Josefina Bañales, University of Illinois at Chicago

• Gale M. Sinatra, University of Southern California