Climate change is a prevalent issue with global temperatures rising each year. With the worsening of climate change and pollution, more and more people are becoming concerned with what the future will look like if things to change immediately and quickly. Climate activists of all ages have spent the past several decades speaking out against the effects of major polluters, but a notable amount of concern comes from younger populations.
Young people have become increasingly worried about the current climate situation. A 2023 survey concluded that an overwhelming 85% of young people in the US (aged 16-25) were at least mildly worried about the climate crisis and 42.8% said that climate change impact their mental health. In the same study, more than half of the people who were surveyed endorsed the idea that they were hesitant to have children in reference to the climate crisis.
Young generations are inheriting a world that is already dying and many of them are aware of that fact. Young people now have never known a world where pollution and the increasing severity and frequency of natural disasters aren't a constant threat. Surveys over the past several years have shown that young people are increasingly more worried about the climate crisis and its impacts on both their current lives and their futures. Climate anxiety amongst younger generation is not reduced to just one political party, nor is it a problem that is confined to the US. A 2021 survey of young people across ten countries (aged 16-25) found that over 45% of the 10,000 person sample said that their daily lives and functioning were negatively affected by climate change.
As many young people realize and come to terms with how dire the climate situation truly is, they have also began to speak out. One of the most notable climate activists in the past several years has been Greta Thunberg, who started the “School Strike for Climate.” She is joined in her climate activism by many others of her generation. Social media platforms, such as TikTok and Instagram, have served as a catalyst for the voices of Millennial and Gen Z activists. The vast spreadability of content on social media allows young people to reach larger audiences about important climate crisis topics and amplify the voices that need to be heard.
- Zero Hour is a movement, started in 2017, that empowers youth to address important issues, including climate change through leadership and activism.
- Earth Uprising is a global climate activism movement that is youth-led that works to provide information and resources on the climate crisis and involve young people in using their voices to speak up about climate change.
- The Sunrise Movement is a climate movement that seeks to allow people to have equal access to food, clean water, shelter, and other basic needs that have been negatively affected or reduced due to climate change.
I can personally attest to worries about what the future of our planet will look like. In a previous course I've taken, I sent out a survey to students at WMU to gather information about their thoughts on the climate crisis, and did see a similar trend of worry as to what was discussed in your post. Interesting to see it's beginning to be a cross-political party issue, too.
ReplyDeleteIt's neat to read about just how many young movements there are nowadays. I just wonder what they can actually do to influence the worrying trends seen today.
ReplyDeleteKatie you do an excellent job describing the concern among youth about the climate crisis. As you say they are not just in one political party or country - so young people can speak out in ways that will be listened to and can make a difference.
ReplyDeleteHi Katie,
ReplyDeleteI think its amazing how proactive young people are in regard to activism and the climate crisis! It is unfortunate however that it results from being born in the middle of this crisis as it can often cause lots of anxiety and as you mentioned even long term impacts such as whether or not to have children. While I am grateful to have been born into a generation that cares so much about climate change and activism it can sometimes feel like I am in an echo chamber and it can be very jarring when talking to older generations (my grandfather) and hear a distinct lack of care or urgency. I would love to learn some creative tactics to get through to him!
The idea of climate anxiety is a really good subject to bring up. Everyday we hear about the planet is getting worse and how our governments are doing very little to prevent it. This can have a huge mental impact on people of all ages. I wondering what we can do to help reduce this issue, but can still understand the impact of climate change.
ReplyDeleteI like how you addressed not only the physical harmful effects that the younger generations are facing but also the mental health issues that have stemmed from the increase in emissions. I also really enjoyed learning about the different movements that are currently taking place.
ReplyDeleteThe data that you provided on climate fear among young people are stunning, emphasizing the mental health consequences of this global issue. The work of these young activists, who are fighting for a sustainable future for everybody, must be acknowledged and supported by legislators as well as society throughout. The Sunrise Movement, Earth Uprising, Zero Hour, and other youth-led movements you highlighted are examples of how resilient and innovative young people can be in the battle against climate change.
ReplyDeleteI really like how you honed in upon the younger generation. Even listing off three different movements that we can take apart in, I think it's very beneficial for young people to see this kind of stuff.
ReplyDeleteYou are getting some great comments.
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ReplyDeleteGreat blog, Katie! It’s powerful to see how climate change impacts young people’s mental health and inspires activism. Highlighting groups like Zero Hour and the Sunrise Movement shows the hope and action youth bring to this urgent issue. Well done!
ReplyDeleteThis article resonated with me a lot. It is a bit comforting to hear that other people have the same anxieties and concerns. I've always wanted to have children, and it breaks my heart to think that I likely won't. I'd feel far too guilty bringing an innocent creature into what may very well be a brutal end to our planet.
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