Young adults worldwide are increasingly concerned about the social and ecological crises of the Anthropocene, which reshape their perceptions of the future and influence their career choices and life trajectories. In Iran, environmental challenges such as air pollution, water scarcity, and land subsidence have become critical issues, particularly in cities like Isfahan. This qualitative study explores how Iranian university students perceive climate change and how these perceptions influence their emotional responses, career choices, and engagement in environmental activism.
Through semi-structured interviews with 12 students aged 19 to 25, we examined their understanding of environmental crises, emotional reactions (such as anxiety, frustration, and hope), and decisions regarding activism and future career paths. Findings reveal that students are deeply aware of environmental issues, with many expressing climate anxiety and frustration due to ineffective governmental action and superficial public discourses. However, some students also expressed hope, driven by a belief in collective action and sustainable solutions.
The study identifies a spectrum of activism engagement. Some students actively participate in environmental clean-up activities and advocate for sustainable practices, while others feel disillusioned, believing individual actions have little impact without systemic change. This highlights the complex interplay between emotional responses and behavioral outcomes.
Additionally, the study sheds light on the tension between economic stability and environmental sustainability. Many students feel compelled to pursue careers in polluting industries due to job market demands, yet they express a growing sense of responsibility to align their professional lives with environmental values.
These findings underscore the need for innovative career counseling interventions that address the psychological and emotional impacts of climate change while helping students navigate the complexities of building a sustainable future. By understanding the perceptions and emotional responses of Iranian students, this research contributes to the development of supportive practices that empower young adults to engage meaningfully with environmental challenges.