Aware but absent : understanding Maltese youth disengagement from environmental activism

Abstract

Despite widespread environmental awareness among young people, participation in collective environmental activism remains persistently low. This qualitative study investigates the barriers deterring Maltese youth aged 18–24 from engaging in environmental activism, where political culture, small-island social dynamics, and limited qualitative research create a distinct gap in the literature. Four semi-structured focus groups were conducted with 26 participants reporting limited or no prior involvement in environmental activism, and data were analysed using Braun and Clarke's (2006, 2021) thematic analysis framework. Four key themes were identified: distrust in political institutions and a belief that activism produces little tangible change; heightened concerns about reputational and professional consequences within Malta's small, interconnected society; a tendency to individualise environmental responsibility, favouring low-risk private behaviours over collective action; and structural barriers including time pressures, transport limitations, and weak institutional support. The findings challenge dominant interpretations of the awareness–action gap, suggesting that youth disengagement is better understood as a rational, contextually grounded response to perceived inefficacy, social risk, and structural constraint, rather than apathy. The study contributes to debates on political trust, civic individualisation, and small-state activism, and offers recommendations for NGOs, educators, and policymakers seeking to bridge the gap between environmental concern and active participation.