Intergenerational Relations in the Climate Movement: Bridging the Gap toward a Common Goal

Senjooti Roy, Liat Ayalon

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

12 Scopus citations

Abstract

The call for climate action has attracted global support, especially among youth. Over time, climate discourse has turned increasingly hostile toward both younger and older generations, potentially engendering intergenerational conflict when intergenerational cooperation is most needed. Using a purposive sampling method, we selected a sample of 50 international influential individuals to gain an overview of the common views in current climate discourse to examine how they may impact intergenerational relations. We used a summative content analysis approach to analyze the different worldviews. The results are broadly divided into two categories—messages of intergenerational tension and messages of intergenerational solidarity. We found that although both types of messaging communicate similar facts and concerns, their presentation may either unite or divide different generations. Therefore, to work toward a common future for the benefit for all ages, it is essential for polarizing and accusatory sentiments to be replaced with messages of inclusivity and cooperation. This may be facilitated through intergenerational contact and interventions.

Original languageEnglish
Article number233
JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
Volume20
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - 23 Dec 2022

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2022 by the authors.

Funding

This work was supported by Israel Science Foundation under grant number 217/20.

FundersFunder number
Israel Science Foundation217/20

    Keywords

    • climate change
    • intergenerational conflict
    • intergenerational cooperation
    • intergenerational relations
    • intergenerational solidarity
    • intergenerational tension

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