Climate change is real and urgent. It threatens our health, safety, and environment. Despite the clear warnings from scientists in reports like the recent 2023 UN climate report, many countries, including the U.S., continue to heavily rely on fossil fuels.
Due to this slow action on climate policies, some activists are resorting to nonviolent civil disobedience (NVCD). This includes tactics like blocking roads and organizing sit-ins to raise awareness about the climate crisis. They aim to push both the public and policymakers to treat this issue with the seriousness it deserves.
Recent research sheds light on why some Americans are willing to support NVCD. A study using data from the Climate Change in the American Mind survey identified key factors. People are more inclined to back these actions when they feel a sense of community—believing they can work together to create change. Other motivators include feeling angry about the climate situation, identifying with climate activists, and seeing others actively making efforts to tackle climate change. Interestingly, younger individuals and people from minority backgrounds show a higher tendency to support NVCD compared to older and more educated groups.
According to a recent Gallup poll, around 60% of younger adults express frustration with current climate policies, indicating a growing willingness to take direct action. This aligns with trends we see on social media, where platforms are buzzing with calls for more aggressive climate action and support for protest movements.
As we consider these insights, they hold value for both climate advocates looking to engage more individuals in activism and for social scientists refining theories of protest behavior. Understanding what drives people to stand up for change can help shape more effective strategies in the fight against climate change.
For more details, check out the full findings in the open-access article from npj Climate Action.
