Abstract
Climate change is a growing concern among youth. Youth often turn toward peer activists to inform themselves and learn how to take action. Saoirse Exton is an Irish youth climate justice activist, founder of the Limerick City branch of Fridays for the Future, and member of the United Nations Second Youth Advisory Group on Climate Change. This study provides a rhetorical analysis of interviews with Exton to better understand how she engages her audience and inspires youth to take action. It also explores the motivation behind Exton’s activism, as well as the larger social and political contexts placing pressure on youth to address climate change. This can provide insight into how to better engage youth in climate change movements in the future. While there is a significant amount of literature on the influence of youth climate change activist Greta Thunberg, a globally recognized figure and the face of the youth climate movement, it is important to research lesser known activists to better understand how they make a difference in their communities. This reflects the notion that local efforts are essential to creating global change.
Presenters
Natalie HamrenStudent, MA Communication, University of New Mexico, New Mexico, United States Sarah Seroy
MA Student, Communication and Journalism, University of New Mexico, New Mexico, United States
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
KEYWORDS
Climate Change, Youth Activist, Movement, Rhetoric
