Young people and environmental voice

It is important to take the views of youth into account when making decisions about energy, climate and sustainability because they have a large stake in the future created from these decisions. Decisions made about fracking, geoengineering, pesticides and plastics have consequences that can last for generations.

Despite this need, there is little consideration for the experiences and perceptions of youth in decision making. In this session, we will focus on a recent study of young people’s experiences and perceptions of unconventional shale gas extraction or ‘fracking’ in the UK. We will present the findings of recent studies conducted at sites of exploratory fracking in England and proposed fracking in Northern Ireland. Whilst fracking is currently subject to a moratorium in the UK, we reflect on findings in relation to youth participation in decision-making and on politics in education, and consider their applicability to other environmental interventions. The session will include opportunities for participants to discuss the implications of the research for policy and practice.

Part of the ESRC Festival of Social Science (FoSS) 2020.

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