Generational differences are mainly in emotional engagement rather than in beliefs about anthropogenic climate change

Generational Differences in Climate-Related Beliefs, Risk Perceptions, and Emotions in the UK

Background

A recent study published in Communications Earth & Environment examined the generational differences in risk perceptions, emotions, and beliefs about climate change and climate engagement among the population of the United Kingdom (UK).

Research suggests that the younger generation, who grew up with early exposure to the concept of climate change, is more concerned about its consequences compared to older generations. However, these concerns and emotions about climate change are often overwhelming and negatively impact the mental health of the younger generation.

The media presence of young climate change activists further highlights the contrast in concern levels between the younger and older generations. While some studies indicate that the younger generation is generally more concerned about the environment and experiences anger, worry, and guilt regarding climate change, other studies report negligible differences between generations in their concerns and beliefs.

About the Study

In this study, researchers analyzed data from three nationally-representative cross-sectional surveys conducted annually between 2020 and 2022 in the UK. The surveys assessed beliefs about the urgency, temporal proximity, and causes of climate change, as well as worries, perceived threats, and emotions related to the subject.

The surveys categorized participants into six major generations: the post-war generation (1928-1945), two halves of the baby boomer generation (1946-1954 and 1955-1964), Generation X (1965-1980), millennials (1981-1996), and Generation Z (born after 1996).

Results

The findings revealed that generational differences were primarily observed in emotional engagement with climate change, while differences in perception were lower when comparing cognitive beliefs across generations. The younger generation exhibited stronger negative emotions such as guilt, fear, and outrage about climate change compared to the older generation.

Interestingly, between 2020 and 2021-2022, the differences in perceived impacts and beliefs about climate change seemed to have narrowed, indicating a changing trend in understanding. A significant proportion of the older generation also believed that the impacts of climate change were already being felt.

The study found that risk perceptions and worries about climate change were significantly higher among the younger generation. Age did not play a significant role in skepticism about climate change, but it did influence concerns and threat perceptions, indicating stronger emotional engagement among the younger generation.

Conclusions

In conclusion, the study suggests that the younger generation has higher threat and risk perceptions, emotions, and beliefs about climate change compared to the older generation. However, the gap between generations is more consistent and larger for climate change-related emotions rather than beliefs.

Over time, as understanding about the impacts of climate change increases, the overall gap in cognition between generations is narrowing. The differences between generations are more prominent in emotional responses rather than beliefs about climate change and its anthropogenic nature.

Source: Journal reference

H2: Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Targets, and Indicators in the Article

H3: 1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

– SDG 13: Climate Action

H3: 2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

– Target 13.3: Improve education, awareness-raising, and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning

H3: 3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

– Beliefs about the urgency, temporal proximity, and causes of climate change

– Worries, perceived threats, and impacts related to climate change

– Emotional engagement with climate change (negative feelings of guilt, fear, and outrage)

H2: Analysis

H3: 1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

The main SDG addressed in the article is SDG 13: Climate Action. The article discusses generational differences in beliefs, risk perceptions, and emotions about climate change and climate engagement. This aligns with SDG 13’s focus on taking urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.

H3: 2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Based on the article’s content, a specific target under SDG 13 that can be identified is Target 13.3: Improve education, awareness-raising, and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning. The article highlights the importance of understanding generational differences in beliefs and emotions about climate change. By improving education and awareness-raising efforts, society can better address these differences and take appropriate action.

H3: 3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

The article mentions several indicators that can be used to measure progress towards Target 13.3:

– Beliefs about the urgency, temporal proximity, and causes of climate change: These beliefs can be assessed through surveys and questionnaires that evaluate individuals’ understanding of climate change and its causes.

– Worries, perceived threats, and impacts related to climate change: Surveys can also measure individuals’ worries and perceptions of the threats and impacts of climate change. This can provide insights into the level of awareness and concern among different generations.

– Emotional engagement with climate change (negative feelings of guilt, fear, and outrage): The article highlights generational differences in emotional engagement with climate change. Assessing these emotions through surveys can help measure progress in raising awareness and promoting engagement with climate action.

H2: Table

SDGs | Targets | Indicators

— | — | —

SDG 13: Climate Action | Target 13.3: Improve education, awareness-raising, and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning | – Beliefs about the urgency, temporal proximity, and causes of climate change – Worries, perceived threats, and impacts related to climate change – Emotional engagement with climate change (negative feelings of guilt, fear, and outrage)

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Source: news-medical.net

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