Being a Climate Activist in Türkiye: Life Experiences, Psychosocial Challenges, and Emotional Burdens of the Guardians of the Planet

Abstract

Objective: The study aims to evaluate the life experiences, psychosocial challenges, and emotional burdens of climate activists, the guardians of the planet, related to the climate crisis, using a phenomenological approach. Methods: This research was conducted in November 2023, utilizing an inductive qualitative framework. In-depth individual interviews were undertaken with 21 climate activists living in diverse regions of Türkiye through the WhatsApp mobile application. The research adhered to the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ) checklist. Results: Data analysis, three themes, and seven sub-themes were identified: climate crisis awareness and motives for becoming an activist (experiences, people involved, and personal attributes); the effects of being a climate activist on mental health (emotional burdens and coping with emotional burdens); and actions taken to reduce carbon footprints in addressing the climate crisis (social and behavioral). Conclusion: Our study highlighted the challenges and coping mechanisms encountered by climate activists in their efforts to combat the climate crisis and revealed that these activists undergo psychosocial challenges and emotional burdens as a result of their engagement in this struggle. Certain activists struggle to manage their psychosocial challenges and consequently seek psychological assistance. Psychosocial support programs should be established for activists experiencing distress over climate change.