Examining Contrasting Influences of Extreme Weather Experiences on Individual Climate Activism

Abstract: Researchers have examined how extreme weather experiences influence climate change attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors, with mixed results. However, limited research has explored how extreme weather experiences may affect climate-related perceptions and behaviors among climate activists. Given the significant role activism plays in climate action, as well as frequent dropout and burnout among activists, it is important to understand to what extent, how, and why extreme weather may influence individual climate activism. This study explores reported influences of extreme weather experiences on climate perceptions and activism through interviews with 33 Australian adults who directly experienced bushfires and previously engaged in climate activism. All participants felt more vulnerable to climate change after experiencing bushfires. Fifteen participants (45%) increased their activism; 13 (39%) maintained the same activism level; and 5 (15%) decreased their activism. Participants who inc.... https://gep.psychopen.eu/index.php/gep/article/view/10829

Object Details

• Location: Deutsche Nationalbibliothek Frankfurt am Main
• Extent: Online-Ressource
• Language: Englisch

References and Relationships

• Bibliographic citation: Examining Contrasting Influences of Extreme Weather Experiences on Individual Climate Activism ; volume:2 ; day:30 ; month:04 ; year:2024 ; Global environmental psychology ; 2 (30.04.2024)

Contributors, Places and Time

• Creator: Ettinger, Joshua ; Walton, Peter ; Painter, James ; Fielding, Kelly S. ; Gulliver, Robyn ; Otto, Friederike E. L.

Further information

• DOI: 10.5964/gep.10829
• URN: urn:nbn:de:101:1-2406080511008.862740371356
• Rights: Open Access; Der Zugriff auf das Objekt ist unbeschränkt möglich.
• Last update: 14.08.2025, 10:49 AM CEST