A Delphi Study on Mapping Motivations and Barriers of Pakistan’s Digital Participation in Climate Activism

Abstract

This study examines the barriers and enablers of digital participation in climate advocacy in Pakistan, a country ranked among the most climate-vulnerable nations globally yet lagging in public engagement with climate action. The research applies the Delphi method within the framework of Actor-Network Theory (ANT) to explore how socio-cultural, technological, and structural factors shape digital activism in the context of climate change. Twenty-three experts from fields as diverse as climate advocacy, digital communication, sociology, and cultural studies were brought together in a three-round iterative process to reach consensus on the key barriers and strategies.

The findings include major barriers such as low awareness, socio-economic priorities overshadowing environmental concerns, limited internet access, and algorithmic biases that reduce the visibility of climate content. Identified enablers are religious and cultural framing, localized storytelling, and influencer-led campaigns to mobilize diverse audiences. Non-human actors, such as algorithms on social media, were found to play a very critical role in shaping the effectiveness of digital advocacy networks. The research integrates insights from experts and offers actionable recommendations for enhancing digital climate engagement, including targeted policy interventions and culturally resonant advocacy strategies. This article contributes to the growing body of literature on digital activism in the Global South and supports pathways toward strengthening Pakistan's climate movement.