Deakin University
Browse

File(s) under permanent embargo

Bushfires, COVID-19 and Young People’s Climate Action in Australia

journal contribution
posted on 2023-02-09, 02:47 authored by H Gunasiri, Y Wang, Teresa CapetolaTeresa Capetola, Claire Henderson-WilsonClaire Henderson-Wilson, Rebecca Patrick
Australia’s summer bushfires of 2020–2021 were catastrophic, negatively impacting people, and the natural environment. This climate change-related event exacerbated the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on public health. Young people are a priority population whose health and livelihoods are significantly impacted by these events. At the same time, young people are active agents for climate action. This exploratory mixed-method study draws on descriptive analyses of survey data (n = 46) and thematic analyses of interview data (n = 6) which demonstrated that some young people, whilst concerned about existential and real impacts of climate change, use contact with nature to cope and as motivation for taking climate actions.

History

Journal

EcoHealth

Volume

19

Pagination

149 - 153

ISSN

1612-9202

eISSN

1612-9210