Why Do Young People Participate in Environmental Political Action?

Abstract

This study is an investigation of the predictors of young people's interest in environmental political action. Data were collected by means of a survey of young people (ages 15–30) living in Finland (N = 512). The results supported the Environmental Political Action Interest Model (EPAIM) proposed in this study and show that post-materialist values and political competence increased interest in environmental political action. In addition, trust in political parties and nongovernmental organisations was indirectly associated with interest in environmental political action. The results suggest how political authorities might develop policies to encourage young people's participation in environmental politics.

Keywords

Environmental action Finland political competence post-materialism trust

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