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Project title

At the Frontline of Climate Activism: Exploring the gender dynamics of contemporary climate activism in Ireland

Primary Funding Agency

Taighde �ireann-Research Ireland

Co-Funding Organisation(s)

Lead Organisation

University College Cork (UCC)

Lead Applicant

Not listed

Project Abstract

Climate related disasters are increasing in severity and frequency at an alarming rate, resulting in new youth-led climate movements such as Fridays for Future and Extinction Rebellion emerging on a global scale. Contemporary climate activist movements aim to hold governments and corporations accountable for the climate catastrophe and have played a substantial role in emphasising the urgency to tackle the climate crisis. The main aim of this research is to gain an understanding of the experiences of those involved in climate activism through a gender lens, exploring how motivations to engage in climate activism are informed by the construction of gendered identities. Research that explores climate activism through a gender lens can help recognize the range of gendered experiences and motivations of those involved in these grassroots movements, in ways that can develop novel understandings of how gender constructions and relations inform approaches to tackling the climate crisis. Exploring how gender relations can influence environmental behaviour such as climate activism can inform gender-sensitive approaches to climate research, policy and advocacy in ways that can enrich understanding of how to create sustainable societies underpinned by the values of climate and gender justice. This research shall be carried out in Ireland and use the research methods of participant observations and interviews with members of the climate activist movements, Extinction Rebellion and Fridays for Future. Research will take place using ethnographic observation of social interactions and communication between movement members during climate campaigns and at associated events, initiatives, and protests in Ireland. Additionally, in-depth interviews with movement members will be used to gain further insight and understanding of how gender informs and influences the motivations of climate activists and the approaches they may take when tackling climate related issues.

Grant Approved

�31,000.00

Research Hub

Climate Change

Research Theme

3. Climate Solutions, Transition Management and Opportunities

Start Date

01/09/2024

Initial Projected Completion Date

31/08/2025