Conferences and Publications

EXTRA! EXTRA! READ ALL ABOUT IT:

RURAL BC YOUTH ENVIRONMENTAL STUDY GETS PUBLISHED IN THE JOURNAL OF SUSTAINABILITY!

What Can We Learn from Rural Youth in British Columbia, Canada? Environment and Climate Change—Issues and Solutions

Find an Open Access Link to our Research Article Below:

https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/13/24/13562?utm_campaign=releaseissue_sustainabilityutm_medium=emailutm_source=releaseissueutm_term=titlelink462

Check out a synopsis of our study:

Rural Youth and Climate Anxiety

Dr. Bonnie Fournier, Dr. Tracy Christianson, Dr. Pranita Bhushan Udas, Shannon Desbiens BSW, M. Ed.

Thompson Rivers University Son Journey Conference Apr. 22, 2021

Abstract: To understand and strengthen positive youth development, the research team worked with rural youth in two B.C. communities over two years applying art-based research methods using photovoice, paintings and recording an original song.  (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1vHRsyKAqcY). Youth discussed the issues that mattered to them and through creative collaboration, worked towards finding solutions. Environmental issues surfaced as an issue of concern. Environmental pollution and Climate change events such as fire and flood were unsettling to youth. Moreover, they expressed confusion based on incidences they observed on implementing green initiatives. Youth expressed anxiety, stress, dilemmas, and a great sense of responsibility with respect to climate change and environment. In this presentation we highlight the voices of rural youth in the context of a changing climate and the resulting ‘climate/eco anxiety’ as a real and growing health issue. We conclude that involving youth as an active force in climate action requires careful consideration of their psychosocial development; for youth may feel overburdened to fix a climate crisis that was shaped by previous generational actions.  

Youth, Water, and Climate Action

Abstract for International World Water Week Conference, August 2021

Dr. Bonnie Fournier, Dr. Tracy Christianson, Dr. Pranita Bhushan Udas, Shannon Desbiens BSW, M. Ed.

Highlights:

The positive development of rural youth is linked to water environment in which they live. Anthropogenic and natural environmental degradation increased anxiety among rural youth.
Being able to facilitate a platform for the youth to interact can reduce their anxiety and promote youth action to solve water crisis.

Keywords: Rural youth, climate change, ecological anxiety, water, solutions

Intro and Objectives:

Rural youth are negatively impacted by climate change events, yet are a catalyst for positive change. A participatory research titled “What can we learn from rural youth?” explores positive youth development in Western Canada. Youth identified issues that mattered to them. Water related environmental issues surfaced as a buzzing and bothering topic. Solutions were identified through a bottom-up approach. In this study, youth were the subject of research and the researchers themselves, which provides a unique contribution to addressing our collective climate crisis.

Methodology Approach:

Rural youth (age 14 to 18) were engaged in community-based participatory research process. Using arts-based methods (photovoice, paintings, songs and video), the study aimed to answer two research questions: What matters to rural youth? And what are the challenges and solutions? Involving youth in climate solutions is crucial if there will be sustainable change. Youth friendly framework was applied for effective youth engagement. Positive Youth Development framework explains when confidence, competence, character, connection, and caring are attained, it will lead to positive contributions by youth. Two youth action research teams were engaged as research co- partners to answer the research questions.

Analysis and results:

Youth development is about transitioning from dependent childhood to independent adulthood. Adventure and curiosity are common in youthhood to flourish independence. Youth expressed pride in their environment on water bodies like streams, lakes, waterfalls and rivers, highlighting that rural youth have a strong connection with nature. Used for adventure, sport, and recreation such as swimming, hiking, and camping; water and nature is integral to their growth. Youth have witnessed fires, floods, droughts, and environmental pollution. Some were involved in global climate activism. Youth expressed stress, anxiety, and burden to correct the mistakes of their parents’ generation. Moreover, youth expressed confusions based on incidences they observed on implementing green initiatives.

These findings are compatible with studies on ecological anxiety and grief. The new dimensions this research brings is in relation to rural youth and efforts on climate solutions. The research was able to address such anxieties by supporting their positive youth development. Youth recommended that youth-friendly spaces that provide a platform for critical thinking and sharing freely about their concerns is an empowering experience.

Conclusions and recommendations:

Engaging rural youth in research to better understand their concerns provided a platform for youth to discuss matters that concerned them most. Environmental issues relating to water was an important concern and was identified for action. A local platform for youth to discuss their issues is crucial to addressing climate action with youth engagement. Involving youth as an active force in climate action needs careful consideration of their socio-psychological development; if not youth may feel overburdened to correct the mistakes they have not made.

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