A Study on Character Strengths and Environmental Ethics Among the Youth of Tamil Nadu as Trailblazers of Climate Change Warriors

Abstract

Climate change is one of the most concerning modern-day issues. The answer to whether industrialization, urbanization, and technical progress have improved our quality of life is susceptible to prejudiced and subjective perspectives, but they have harmed nature can be established with certainty. The study was done among a varied sample of college students in Tamil Nadu, India, and investigated the subtle interaction of socio-demographic characteristics, gender, character traits, and their impact on mental health, moral character, and environmental ethics. The study employs a correlational research design that makes use of self-report measurements such as the Environmental Ethics Scale (EES) and the Global Assessment of Character Strength Scale (GACS). Semi-structured interviews are used to acquire qualitative insights into participants' thoughts on climate change and potential solutions. The findings show a strong relationship between EES and GACS. The findings also emphasize the importance of socio-demographic characteristics including area, family structure, and socioeconomic level in establishing environmental values, underlining the need of taking cultural and economic issues into account when interpreting study findings and devising solutions. Finally, research advances our understanding of the complex relationships between socio-demographic factors, gender, mental health, personality traits, and environmental ethics, emphasizing the need for tailored interventions that take into account the unique needs and characteristics of various subgroups.