Abstract:
As more Americans become increasingly concerned with the dangers associated with
climate change, the environmental movement in the United States continues to grow.
With a recent surge in participation from younger activists in the movement there is the
increasing likelihood of a generational clash that will have to end in compromise or
conflict. Through semi-structured in-depth interviews with environmental activists in
incorporated environmental organizations we make a number of conclusions. There is a
generational divide between older and younger activists on the diagnostic and
prognostic frames. Activists all feel an intense fear around climate change and that
influences their personal and strategic decisions. Younger activists have a hard time
identifying with the activist identity due to the standards they believe are necessary to
consider oneself an ideal activist.
