Environmental Advocacy: How Citizens and Governments Are Joining Forces to Combat Climate Change
Climate change is one of the most urgent issues of our time, and environmental advocacy is becoming more prominent in society. Across the globe, individuals, groups, and governments are stepping up to advocate for the environment in increasingly powerful ways. This post explores how citizens, especially youth, and governments are advocating for climate action, with a focus on citizen involvement and Finland's successful environmental policies.
The Rising Role of Youth in Environmental Advocacy
When we think of climate change activism today, the first group that often comes to mind is youth. As young people are bombarded with images of climate disasters, such as wildfires, hurricanes, and melting ice caps, many are feeling the need to act. Their involvement is crucial, as they will inherit the planet that is being damaged today.
Research indicates that young people are highly engaged with the issue of climate change. As noted by Sasser (2014), young activists often cite their school education, media exposure (like Al Gore’s films), and events like Hurricane Katrina as key moments that sparked their interest in environmental advocacy.
Young people are at the forefront of climate change advocacy, leading marches, organizing protests, and making powerful statements. In a 2010 speech at a youth summit in Washington, D.C., an activist declared: "We represent over half of the global population. Leaders of today as well as tomorrow.... We're the 'me' generation. Actions and local solutions to local problems are best" (Sasser, 2014). This underscores the belief that youth are not only affected by the climate crisis, but are also a driving force in finding solutions.
College students are demonstrating a strong commitment to climate change advocacy as an engaged group. According to a study by Wodika and Middleton (2020), students who are empowered to learn about climate change often engage in actions like spreading awareness, organizing events, and advocating for policy change. They are particularly inclined to use communication as their primary method of advocacy, as seen in the high rates of student involvement in environmental protests and campaigns.
Wodika and Middleton’s research also reveals that American college students have the highest levels of civil engagement when it comes to environmental issues. Female students, in particular, are more likely to believe in the potential for meaningful change through advocacy (Wodika & Middleton, 2020).
(Demonstration. Image by https://pixabay.com/users/kevin_snyman-47288/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=4193109">Kevin)
The Role of Communities in Advocacy
While youth and students are important players in the climate advocacy movement, the broader community also plays a key role. Many people, particularly those from marginalized groups are engaged in discussions and actions around environmental justice. These communities are often the first to feel the impacts of environmental degradation, such as pollution and lack of access to clean water.
Research by Kang (2018) shows that members of BIPOC communities in the U.S. are more likely to be involved in sustainable urban development (SUD) activities. They tend to prefer face-to-face communication about environmental issues, which highlights the importance of personal connections in raising awareness and effecting change. Kang also emphasizes that local governments and community groups must leverage both online and offline strategies to foster discussions and promote sustainable development.
(Hands, Team, United. Image by https://pixabay.com/users/truthseeker08-2411480/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=1917895)
The Importance of Environmental Organizations
Environmental organizations are critical in amplifying the voices of citizens and advancing policy change. These groups use a variety of tools, including email, websites, and social media, to spread their messages. According to Dreiling et al. (2008), environmental organizations rely on these digital platforms to reflect the structure of social movements and communicate with a wider audience. By harnessing the power of the internet, these groups can mobilize public opinion and advocate for meaningful policy reforms.
Finland’s Successful Environmental Advocacy System
While citizen action is vital, governmental policy also plays a crucial role in fostering environmental change. Finland has effectively integrated environmental advocacy into its political system. The Finnish government has created coalitions and laws that promote environmental sustainability and have led to significant progress in addressing climate change.
For example, Finland’s Water Act of 1961 was a pioneering piece of legislation that brought municipalities, businesses, and communities together to monitor and protect water quality (Koskimaa et al., 2021). This law marked the beginning of a broader environmental political movement in the country and led to changes at both the municipal and federal levels.
In the 1970s, Finland adopted long-term environmental policies to address ecological issues and integrate environmental concerns into government decision-making. The shift was driven by growing public awareness of environmental degradation and the need for sustainable development. Finland’s success in policy implementation can be attributed to a focus on long-term goals rather than short-term political interests (Hovi et al., 2009).
Additionally, Finland’s Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) law, enacted in the 1990s, requires comprehensive environmental analysis as part of decision-making processes. This law has strengthened local democracy and empowered citizen organizations to participate in environmental planning (Sairinen, 2010).
(The Parliament House with Concrete Stairs in Helsinki, Finland. Photo by Max Avans from Pexels: https://www.pexels.com/photo/the-parliament-house-with-concrete-stairs-5068753/)
Collaboration Between Citizens and Governments
The fight against climate change requires collaboration between citizens, governments, and organizations. Citizen advocacy, as seen in youth movements, community activism, and environmental organizations, are essential for raising awareness and pushing for change. Governments can support this advocacy by enacting policies that promote sustainability and by fostering cooperative networks that bring together various stakeholders.
As climate change continues to threaten our planet, it is clear that environmental advocacy must involve everyone—from youth activists to local governments to international organizations. Only through collective action can we begin to reverse the damage and build a sustainable future.
Environmental advocacy is a powerful tool in the fight against climate change. Citizens and governments have crucial roles to play. Citizens demand action and government should implement effective policies to protect the environment. As we move forward, it is essential for all levels of society to collaborate and advocate for the urgent changes needed to address the climate crisis.
References:
Dreiling, M., Lougee, N., Jonna, R., & Nakamura, T. (2008). Environmental organizations and communication praxis: A study of communication strategies among a national sample of environmental organizations. Organization & Environment, 21(4), 420–445. https://doi.org/10.1177/1086026608321325
Gronow, A., & Ylä-Anttila, T. (2019). Cooptation of ENGOs or Treadmill of Production? Advocacy Coalitions and Climate Change Policy in Finland. Policy Studies Journal, 47(4), 854-875. https://doi.org/10.1111/psj.12185
Hovi, J., Sprinz, D., & Underdal, A. (2009). Implementing Long-Term Climate Policy: Time Inconsistency, Domestic Politics, International Anarchy. Global Environmental Politics, 9(3), 20-39. DOI:10.1162/glep.2009.9.3.20
Kang, S. (2018). Communicating sustainable development in the digital age: The relationship between citizens' storytelling and engagement intention. Sustainable Development, 27(3), 337–348. https://doi.org/10.1002/sd.1905
Koskimaa, V., Rapeli, L., & Hiedanpää, J. (2021). Governing through strategies: How does Finland sustain a future-oriented environmental policy for the long term? Futures, 125, 1-12. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.futures.2020.102667
Sairinen, R. (2010). The Politics of Regulatory Reform: 'New' Environmental Policy Instruments in Finland. Environmental Politics, 12(1), 73-92. https://doi.org/10.1080/714000666
Sasser, J. (2014). The wave of the future? Youth advocacy at the nexus of population and climate change. The Geographical Journal, 180(2), 102-110. http://www.jstor.org/stable/43868595
Wodika, A. B., & Middleton, W. K. (2020). Climate change advocacy: Exploring links between student empowerment and civic engagement. International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education, 21(6), 209-1231. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJSHE-03-2020-0091
Â
Comentarios