Climate Crisis and the Rise of New Social Movements: Environmental Struggle and Social Change
Chapter from the book:
Güngör,
B.
&
Küçük,
Ö.
(eds.)
2024.
Climate Perspectives for a Sustainable Future.
Synopsis
This study examines the global impact of the climate crisis and the rise of new social movements and new wave climate activism in response to this crisis. The climate crisis not only affects the environment but also has profound social and health consequences, with millions of people dying annually due to increasing temperatures and adverse climate conditions, especially in urban areas. This crisis is not only an environmental issue but also a public health and social justice matter. New wave movements like Fridays for Future, Extinction Rebellion, and Sunrise Movement aim to raise global awareness and drive social change against the climate crisis. This study analyzes the origins, strategies, and social impacts of these movements and evaluates their relationships with political and economic structures to promote broader participation in climate action. Additionally, some criticisms of new wave climate activism are presented, along with recommendations for the future.