Can Humor Help Young Climate Activists Turn Laughter Into Action?

How Young Advocates Use Humor to Shake Things Up

Someone once told me that posting regularly on social media would lead to growth and being noticed where you weren’t before. They also warned me I shouldn’t have any particular expectation about what this attention would look like, but to be aware that it would happen. 

Well, a few weeks ago, I decided to run an experiment. I would post regularly about climate change, paleontology, and science communication on LinkedIn. I even started a newsletter there, From the Lab to the World, where I share my favorite stories. 

From the Lab to the World | LinkedIn

Silvia Pineda-Munoz, PhD | A newsletter for scientists and academics exploring new horizons beyond the lab.

I soon found that the warning I received was completely true. Within a week, I gained 1,000 LinkedIn followers and was invited to give a Guest Lecture at UC Irvine by a professor who’s worked hand in hand with the United Nations for decades. 

That was unexpected!

After talking to Dr. Bermudez over Zoom, we narrowed down the topic of my talk. I was going to talk about the intersection between globalization and climate change and how often those who suffer the consequences the most are those who did the least to cause it. 

Easy, I thought. But Dr. Bermudez had a special request. Her students seem to come to class with a very pessimistic attitude, making them feel like nothing can be done to create a better world. Could I highlight how people their age are making a difference? 

That’s when I found a recent research paper discussing how fun and humor are helping young climate activists approach others in their generation. Get ready for a Rad story!

When it comes to tackling climate change, the image of serious protesters carrying signs with dire warnings is likely the first thing that comes to mind. But what if activism could also be funny? Would it be more effective, then?

A recent study by Dr. Sophie Chiew and her team at Deakin University explored how young climate activists use humor to fight for a better future. Through memes, parody social media accounts, and even kazoo-filled protests, these advocates are using laughter as a powerful tool. 

Could these methods prove more effective than traditional activism? Could this be a way to approach younger cohorts? 

But before we unpack what they found, let’s look at the methods they used to collect and analyze the data. 

The research team, which included four young climate activists, used a collaborative storytelling approach. Instead of treating their subjects as research “participants,” they worked alongside them to analyze stories and digital artifacts from their activism. In other words, they actively listened to their thought processes and strategies.

Some created materials included screenshots of memes, social media posts, and accounts of protest actions. The team met regularly over Zoom and shared personal experiences to uncover how humor plays a role in climate activism’s successes and struggles. 

This participatory method ensured that the voices of the activists were central to the research process and that they could have a say and express their concerns and opinions.

And what did they find? 

Well, as it turns out, they used humor as a connection, critique, and even as a coping mechanism. This is because humor was far more than just a way to pass the time. According to the study, young climate activists use it in three key ways:

1. Bridging Generational Gaps (or Not)

Humor often amplifies generational differences in understanding climate activism. For example, one activist shared how creating memes as part of a digital storm campaign was second nature for her group. 

Yet, when they pitched the idea to an older generation of activists, they responded, “What’s a meme?” 

Indeed, the humor here served as both a connector for younger audiences and a source of disconnect across age groups. Especially after the growth of social media platforms, we’re increasingly seeing that there’s a disconnect between how older and younger generations perceive and communicate humor. 

This isn’t necessarily bad but needs to be considered when trying to cross the generational gap. 

2. Shaping Identity and Solidarity

Social media posts can foster a sense of community. For example, I have made good friends here on Medium, and by friends, I mean people I could catch up with if I found myself in their city.

As the research paper highlighted, one TikTok video humorously highlighted the shared fashion choices of activists. For example, their beloved Doc Martens boots. 

And while posts like this create a sense of belonging, they can also inadvertently alienate those who don’t fit the stereotype or can’t afford the same style.

For instance, I’m a climate activist by all the word definitions, but that doesn’t mean I need to comply with other people’s styles. In fact, nowadays, I own a few pairs of high-quality shoes that will last me for years, helping me reduce fashion waste.

Thus, in creating content, the authors recommend being vigilant when alienating people based on diverse socio-economic situations. They may still share your same values. 

3. Easing Burnout

Climate activism is emotionally taxing. Trust me. There are just so many times you can explain to people why it isn’t that climate change isn’t happening but that they are missing the key concepts that would help them understand why it is essential to their present and future lives.  

Humor, however, provides a way to lighten the load. It makes it more bearable and gives you a reason to keep pushing.

For example, during the pandemic, one group created a parody Instagram account featuring Nicki Minaj memes reimagined as climate slogans (see a screenshot of the account below). 

It wasn’t traditional activism but offered a much-needed break and a chance to laugh amidst the stress and a way for younger minds to think about the climate change issue. 

But let’s go back to the initial question: shall we? Why does humor matter in Climate activism? does it?

Well, the research highlights how humor does more than just make people laugh. Humor, in climate activism as much as in everything else in life, challenges power structures, creates connections, and fosters resilience. 

In protests, humor can disarm critics. For example, one group of students in Sydney staged a kazoo protest outside a politician’s office, playfully declaring, “We have kazoos, and we’re not afraid to use them.” 

While some media outlets framed the event as disruptive, the students’ lighthearted approach drew attention to their demands in a unique way. I mean, would you be able to ignore that? 

Note: As someone who lived in Sydney as a graduate student for four years, I have two thoughts: 1) That’s 100% Aussie style; 2) I would have been there

However, humor’s impact isn’t always positive. It can sometimes exclude or offend. 

For example, activists who pulled an in-group prank about switching to an unpopular messaging app found that their joke unintentionally crossed boundaries, leading to frustration and hurt feelings. This serves as a reminder that humor, while powerful, needs to be used thoughtfully.

So, what can we learn from this study? 

First, humor is an essential tool in the climate activism toolkit. It can break down barriers, build solidarity, and provide emotional relief in a movement often defined by heavy topics. But second, it’s not without risks. To use humor effectively, activists must remain mindful of their audience and the potential for misinterpretation.

Perhaps most importantly, the study highlights the creativity and resilience of young activists. Their ability to turn a meme, a kazoo, or even a parody Instagram account into a meaningful form of protest highlights that fighting for the planet doesn’t have to look one way. 

Activism can be as varied as the people who make up the movement. And yes, it can be funny, too. A good laugh might be just the thing to keep the momentum going.

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