Ungdomars upplevelser av klimatförändringar. En fallstudie i Maputo, Mocambique

Abstract

Climate change is an extremely topical issue in world politics currently discussed throughout various arenas and levels. According to climate reports written by the IPCC, the World Health Organization, (WHO) and the UN Development Program (UNDP) - the African continent is classified as one of the most vulnerable parts in the world. It can be linked to both socioeconomic and geographical conditions. For example, Mozambique is located on the southeastern part of the African continent which is one of the countries expected to be affected by the early stage of climate change making for an interesting area of study. The younger segment of the population is expected to be influenced most by climate change, and studies surrounding this group are limited at this time. Our study aims to investigate how young university students experience climate change in the capital of Mozambique, Maputo. The result is supported by qualitative interviews cooperating with six university students, and we focus on their experiences with climate change. The interview's share evidence that young people feel a great deal of concern about how their home environment will be affected by climate change. Moreover, they experience much frustration understanding that Mozambique will be affected more negatively than countries who are considered mainly responsible for the climate change to begin with. In the discussion section we interpret the result findings and conclude climate change is putting university students in a complex situation. The complicated feelings that arise within each person are seen as taking a position on an issue that is beyond their control. Importantly, it requires an optimistic frame of reference to be able to find a solution to the problem, and understand how they will continue with their daily lives moving forward.