Farmers for climate action

The journey from 'farmers' to Farmers for Climate Action: Exploring identity and social change in rural Australia

What motivates farmers to activate on climate change? And how do they navigate this important but contentious topic within their social networks? This project used qualitative methods to unpack these very questions with NSW farmers who are affiliated with the climate advocacy group Farmers for Climate Action. The farmers describe challenges in navigating their motivation on climate change in a broader social setting that is suspicious and sometimes even hostile toward climate advocates. Through discussing their experiences within their social networks, and of rural and farming culture more broadly, they provide insights for productive ways to continue to engage farmers and rural Australia on this important issue. 

Bio: Bec Colvin is a senior lecturer in the Crawford School of Public Policy. Her research examines the social dimensions of climate and energy change, with a particular focus on intergroup relations and social identity.

Society and climate change Seminar Series

Connect with researchers studying similar topics. Present your research in a supportive multidisciplinary environment. Held every six weeks on a Wednesday, from 9am to 10.30am at ANU. PhD and Master students welcome. Proudly supported by the Institute of Climate, Energy, and Disaster Solutions.

2023 Timetable

30 August 2023            The lives and labour of Australia's energy workforce by Beck Pearse

20 September 2023     Urban policy and equity by Lee White