Embracing Messiness: Zine-Making and Youth-Led Undisciplined Approaches in Climate Education and Activism

This article presents findings from the Climate in Your Hands project conducted during COP26 in Glasgow, focusing on youth from socially marginalized groups engaging with climate justice through zine-making. Using a youth participatory action research approach, the study explored how young people perceive and respond to climate change and inequality within the movement. Zines served as a pedagogical tool for creative communication, allowing participants to challenge mainstream narratives and articulate personal experiences. The research highlights the emotional impact of climate anxiety on participants’ wellbeing and their frustration with the perceived inaction of decision-makers. Despite feeling unheard in formal arenas, participants demonstrated resilience and a commitment to individual and collective action. The messy and non-linear nature of arts-based methodologies facilitated open dialogue and community-building among participants. This study argues for innovative environmental education approaches that centre youth perspectives and foster agency through creative expression and collaborative research practices. By amplifying youth voices and promoting inclusive dialogue, this research aims to empower young people to contribute meaningfully to climate activism and envision a sustainable future.