Bibliographic details and abstracts are available to all. Downloads of full-text dissertations are restricted to University of Portsmouth members who must login. MPhils may be accessed by all.

Abstract

This study addresses how the media has altered perceptions of Climate Change and examines how youths increased awareness has made them the leading demographic in the Climate Change movement. Through reviewing the campaign uses by Greta Thunberg, and her popularisation and celebritisation, an examination of the influence on youths through e-movements, political activism, funding and fundraising and spreadable media displays how youths’ perceptions are adapting. Looking at historical factors that contribute to Climate Change awareness and youth culture, it found that youths hold a dissent that CC is bad and combating it is a progressive issue. The Climate Change movement, directed by Greta Thunberg and other leading activists will, therefore, focus on changing perceptions of older generations of politicians, individuals, and organisations that contribute to damaging CC practices. These findings confirm that youth Climate Change ideologies have often been adopted from youth media platforms, particularly social media, where media is easily dispersed and spread amongst users. Ongoing, a study into the political contributions to Climate Change, focusing on crucial anti-Climate Change figures such as Donald Trump, provides an understanding as to why there is such large consensus against Climate Change amongst older generations; and, that developing countries have different approaches to Climate Change, such as the consideration of threats of a weaponised climate — therefore not pursuing international climate policies and treaties. With this, this study found that native activists would less likely be critiquing their government, as evident in Eastern countries, including China. This understanding then provides a basis to argue that older generations have been more greatly influenced by news media for perceptions against Climate Change, in comparison to youths by news media tailor who their reporting and consensus ideology to appeal to their demographic of age, and political alignment to create a bias perception of Climate Change. Perceptions are further influenced by political or authoritative figures to reinforce ideologies, either through heroising them or demonising them, including the negative critique of Greta Thunberg and anti-messages produced by news centres. Lastly, a discussion into the media manipulation and propaganda examined that there are apparent generational differences in the reporting of climate change, therefore changing perceptions — younger generations tend to appeal more the climate movement. In contrast, older generations seem to hesitate, critique or criticise the movement and critical figures for personal, monetary or political gain.

Course: Media Studies - BA (Hons) - C1346

Date Deposited: 2020-10-28

URI/permalink: https://library.port.ac.uk/dissert/dis13605.html