Peaceful marches are effective for both independents and Democrats, while civil disobedience has a positive effect among Democrats. These effects are isolated to those who are most certain of anthropogenic climate change. No effect is observed among Republicans. Despite evidence from other studies suggesting the possibility, no “backfire” effects are observed for any group or protest type.
backfire is not a real thing, it’s a lie used by people who were never going to change their minds to shame you out of doing things that actually work
Interesting review, many references. Well-targeted protests can help to keep policymakers motivated, especially prior to critical moments like decisions before COPs (during the last days, it’s too late). But what about the effectiveness for the protestors themselves? - directing a lot of energy to such actions might distract youth from focus on developing an ‘expert’ career to help climate more substantially (am thinking from own past experience…).
I don’t think I’ve seen a longitudinal study like that, but what I’ve seen in practice is that teenagers who start off leading local protests end up becoming activists who engage with municipal and provincial/state government on an ongoing basis.
