The role of social media in promoting environmental action
Environmental education and awareness
Social media is becoming a powerful tool in the field of environmental education, especially among young people. Users use platforms such as Instagram, TikTok and Facebook to share knowledge and information about climate change and environmental risks. Infographics, educational videos, posts with interesting facts and interviews with experts attract the attention of the audience, leading to an increased awareness of ecology. Young people are eager to engage in discussions on these topics, making the environmental issue more visible and accessible. Through viral content, young people can quickly access information on environmental best practices such as zero waste, sustainable fashion or responsible consumption.
Mobilising action and offline events
Social media not only educate, but also mobilise action. Thanks to them, a variety of campaigns, petitions and offline events are organised, such as climate strikes or actions to clean up local spaces. One example is the ‘Fridays for Future’ movement, which has gained popularity thanks to the mobilisation of young people who, using social media platforms, can quickly reach a large number of people in their surroundings. Hashtags and events created on social media become a catalyst for people to take action for the environment. Participation in actions such as car-free days or annual beach clean-ups is made easier through information shared on social media, increasing their reach and impact.
The role of environmental influencers
Influencers have a huge impact on their followers, especially when it comes to promoting green ideas. Influencers such as Kasia Gandor, who blogs about an ecological lifestyle, or Marta Dymek, author of the blog My Delicious Sentence, inspire their followers to make changes in their daily lives. A website, posts on Instagram, vlogs or podcasts are just some of the forms in which influencers share their knowledge about sustainability, biodiversity or healthy food. Their authenticity and commitment often translates into greater interest in green initiatives among young people.
Social campaigns in local communities
Young people in various countries, including Greece, are actively using social media platforms such as Instagram to promote local initiatives related to recycling and sustainable agriculture. The example of @grecian.sustainable shows how young people are getting involved in environmental efforts by organising beach clean-up events, planting trees or raising awareness about the protection of endangered species. Through local campaigns, young people can not only get involved in environmental action, but also build social connections, which heightens the sense of community and identification with the local environment.
Examples of campaigns
1. Fridays for Future
- Founding Factors: This global initiative was started by Swedish activist Greta Thunberg. Its aim is to fight climate change and promote environmental action.
Local Branches: The initiative has many local branches around the world, including Poland and Greece. Each branch organises a variety of activities, tailored to the specifics of local environmental issues.
Protests and Information Actions: Young people mobilise to organise protests, marches and educational actions to draw the attention of the public and decision-makers to the climate crisis.
Role of Social Media: Social media plays a key role in promoting and reporting on actions organised by young people. Participants share experiences, photos and live reports, which attracts more people to the movement.
2 Campaigns for Plastic Reduction
Organisation: There is a thriving organisation in Poland, Plastic Free July, which engages young people in the fight against plastic pollution.
Campaign Objectives: The campaign aims to reduce the use of plastic by educating about alternatives and promoting informed choices.
Social Media Promotion: The organisation uses social media to promote its activities by organising challenges in which participants record their progress in reducing plastic.
Interaction with Participants: Participants share their experiences, which builds community and motivates others to join the plastic reduction effort.
3 Renewable energy actions
Initiatives in Greece: Greek youth are involved in campaigns to promote the use of renewable energy, especially solar energy.
Education and Awareness: These campaigns aim to raise awareness of the benefits of renewable energy sources and the pragmatic solutions available to local communities.
Educational Meetings: Educational meetings are organised, often using online platforms to attract the attention of local communities. Participants have the opportunity to gain knowledge about modern technologies and how to implement them.
Use of Social Media: Social media is used to promote events, share information and engage a wider audience with the ecology.
