A Rapid Systematic Map of Youth Engagement With Marine Environments in a Changing Climate

ABSTRACT

This paper offers a rapid systematic map of existing qualitative literature on the relationship(s) between marine environments and youth in a changing climate. Building upon recent public, scientific, and scholarly trends that draw attention to the value the ocean holds for both socio‐economic prosperity and climate regulation, this systematic map asks: What evidence emerges from qualitative studies of youth engagement with marine environments in a changing climate? The mapping identified 20 articles thematically coded under three categories—namely, (i) youth experiences of marine environments and climate change, (ii) marine‐based pedagogical approaches to climate change, and (iii) creative strategies and new media. Along with these 3 main categories, the mapping identified different cross‐cutting themes that the 20 studies share. These were discussed as (a) the importance of intergenerational dynamics and intergenerational justice, (b) the lack of youth's insights in marine‐based climate discourses, and (c) the need for place‐based socio‐cultural and economic interventions. After presenting and discussing the results, this rapid systematic map concludes by indicating areas for further research. Specifically, it highlights the need for more place‐based, granular approaches that engage young people on their own terms and experiences as having tremendous value for articulating more ocean‐ and climate‐sensitive interventions. At the same time, it cautions that those same interventions must feed into wider socio‐economic and institutional dynamics that account for the historical responsibilities of a changing climate.