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Does positive news inspire you to take climate action?

04th - 25th April 2025

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45461

Total votes

10323

5-11 votes

35138

11-16+ votes

To mark Earth Day, which took place on Tuesday 22nd April, we asked young people to consider the most effective ways of inspiring and encouraging people to tackle climate change. They looked at the impact both positive and negative news stories have on their motivation to do good, before deciding whether positive news stories specifically inspire them to take climate action.

Secondary and College voters discussed, "Does positive news inspire you to take climate action?", while Primary 5-11 voters considered, "Does good news inspire you to help the environment?"

45,461 young people voted on this topic.

Learning emotions child

Age 5-11 voter

Good news inspires me to help the environment because for me if you hear good feedback it motivates you to do more.

Learning emotions teen

Age 11-16 voter

We think, mostly, that hearing the negative stories is what compels people to act. Hearing the positive stories are brilliant for making our day, but they can make people complacent..

Learning emotions student

Age 16+ voter

Bad news is more likely to make people take action than good news. Big companies and money will make more difference than individuals.

58% of 7-11-year olds said learning about their emotions helps them to feel better.

  • Primary pupils aged between 5-11 were discussing the question, "Does good news inspire you to help the environment?"
  • Just over half voted 'Yes', with many saying that positive feedback can be a motivating factor for continuing to do good.
68% of Secondary students voted 'No' to the question, "Does learning about your emotions help you feel better?"

  • Secondary, College & 16+ voters were discussing the question, "Does positive news inspire you to take climate action?”
  • 68% of Secondary students and 62% of College and older students voted 'No'.
  • The most common argument was that negative news stories are more motivating, as they highlight the importance of taking action.
Some students said it can be difficult to confront their emotions by talking about them.

  • Some voters thought positive news stories could encourage complacency, however others thought there should be a balance of good and bad news to have the greatest effect.
  • Some College voters said their actions won't be enough to counteract the carbon footprints of many big businesses and they found that demotivating.
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