Today, we have published a new research bulletin titled Generational Narratives about Climate Change Worry but do not Motivate Young People.
The research found that three-in-four young people estimated older people’s concern about climate change to be lower than older people reported themselves.
Among those who had underestimated older people’s worry, seeing estimates from previous research boosted their belief that others, and in particular older people, are willing to play their part to mitigate climate change.
Research from behavioural economics suggests that such beliefs are vital for encouraging climate action. The study also showed that highlighting generational differences in contribution and exposure to climate change makes young people more worried about climate change, but does not increase their motivation to act. Research Bulletin Download Generational Narratives about Climate Change Worry but do not Motivate Young People by Shane Timmons, Ylva Andersson and Pete Lunn. Related Journal Article Download Communicating climate change as a generational issue: Experimental effects on youth worry, motivation and belief in collective action by Shane Timmons, Ylva Andersson and Pete Lunn. Press Release Read the accompanying press release, which highlights key points from the publication. For further information, please contact: Dr Shane Timmons, Senior Research Officer, ESRI [email protected] ESRI Research Bulletins provide short summaries of work published by ESRI researchers and overviews of thematic areas covered by ESRI programmes of research. Research Bulletins are designed to be easily accessible to a wide readership. A reference or references to the full publication is included at the start of each Research Bulletin. | 
