Dissertation Title: Sustaining the Momentum: Motivations and Perceived Effectiveness of Long-Term Climate Activists in Edinburgh

Researcher: Oisin Doherty, University of Edinburgh

Purpose of the Study: This study seeks to explore what motivates people to continuously engage in environmental activism within Edinburgh. My aim is to uncover motivation factors including success, social change and relationships that can help sustain long-term participation. This survey is for anyone who lives within Edinburgh, regardless of if you have participated in climate activism before. Your insights will help improve understanding and support around maintaining engagement and addressing activist burnout.

What Will Happen in the Study: If you choose to participate, you will complete an online questionnaire that asks about your views and experiences related to climate activism. It should take around 5 minutes.

 Data Protection: All responses in the data will be kept anonymous. All data you provide will be stored securely and confidentially on encrypted devices and will only be accessible by myself, the researcher. Results will be used solely for my dissertation and will not be shared with external organisations. Data responsses will be destroyed once I have used them. 

Voluntary Participation: Your participation is completely voluntary. You can choose not to participate, or to stop participating at any time without consequence. You can also withdraw your data within four weeks of completing the questionnaire or interview by contacting me directly. 

Benefits of the Study: While there is no financial compensation for participating, your contribution will be valuable in enhancing understanding of activist engagement. This may help in developing strategies to support activists better and understand how social change happens.

Your Rights and Safety: Your safety and rights as a participant are protected. This study has been reviewed and approved by the School of GeoSciences Ethics Committee at the University of Edinburgh. Personal information or responses will be treated with the highest confidentiality and respect.

Want More Information or Need Help? 

If you have any questions or concerns about participating, feel free to contact me at s2191478@ed.ac.uk . Alternatively, you can also reach out to my supervisor, Niamh Shortt, at Niamh.Shortt@ed.ac.uk or call (0)131 651 7130.

Thank you for considering participating in this research. Your input is extremely valuable and much appreciated!