How youth climate anxiety is starting a wave of change worldwide
From participating in strikes to influencing policy changes, Gen Z is doing all they can to negate the effects of climate change.
FATIHAH PIRDAUS07 Feb 2025 02:00pm
More than one-third of Gen Z expressed concern about having to leave their hometowns because of climate change. Photo: Canva
It was reported that the blaze, which expanded to 23,713 acres, damaged or destroyed over 7,400 homes and buildings.
the BBC revealed that a warming planet is creating conditions that favour wildland fires, such as low relative humidity. The "fire weather" days are increasing in numerous regions worldwide, with climate change exacerbating these conditions and prolonging the fire season in many areas.
If this is not a signal that climate change is persistently changing the world even as you are reading this article, then what is?
Looking at social media, there are numerous videos by young Americans sharing their view of the wildfires. While there is no shortage of irreverant videos, a large number of young people are taking the situation very seriously.
The shocking fact about this seemingly "most unserious generation" is that they care more about climate change compared to other generations.
GEN Z AND THEIR CLIMATE ANXIETY
Climate anxiety is fundamentally distress about climate change and its impacts on the landscape and human existence, according to Yale researchers. Now, how does this correlate to Gen Z?
In a recent poll released by Gallup and the Walton Family Foundation, more than one-third of Gen Z expressed concern about having to leave their hometowns because of climate change.
Approximately 73 per cent of them have worries over the water pollution, flood risk, lack of access to clean drinking water and the risk of drought which will interrupt their daily lives and homes.
The poll also specified that 31 per cent of Gen Z are concerned about the clean water supply in the future, while 72 per cent are concerned about waterways pollution while 66 per cent are anxious about the health of aquatic creatures and the oceans.
This proves that their anxiety over the current environmental crisis is through the roof as they worry about the state of the planet for the next generation and their families.
Since they are creatures of the Internet, they are very well aware of what's happening around them and how that will affect them in the future.
ACTIVISM IS THE WAY TO GO
As a collective response to the environmental threats, they direct their climate anxiety towards activism as a way to help raise awareness on this matter.
From participating in strikes to influencing policy changes, Gen Z is doing all they can to negate the effects of climate change especially since they have witnessed these firsthand.
Movements like Fridays For Future led by figures like Greta Thunberg, and the March to End Fossil Fuels in New York are proof that young people have consistently been at the forefront of pushing for change.
They are living in it, and that is why even the "introverts" are contributing using the online platforms.
A survey by Australia University revealed that 65 per cent of Gen Z who do not participate in traditional climate activism are still leveraging technology and social media to express their concerns.
THE CANCELLING CULTURE
Unlike previous generations, Gen Z have no qualms about changing their lifestyles in order to prove their point.
They don’t mind a level of personal sacrifice in order to improve the lives of others, going as far as to stop eating meat, switching to eco-friendly products and cancelling their favourite brands.
It is crucial for them that large-scale global brands with enormous resources must act responsibly and prioritise certain values — committed to sustainable sourcing, waste reduction, and environmentally-friendly operations.
Their purchasing decisions are also heavily influenced by a brand's sustainability initiatives, and they actively use social media to voice their concerns and hold companies accountable.
As per Sustainable Business Magazine, a new study revealed that 2025 could see as many as 59 per cent of customers worldwide boycotting brands that fail to act on climate change.
GEN Z ARE DOING MORE FOR THE PLANET
To conclude, Gen Z's climate anxiety is sparking a powerful movement for change. Rather than feeling overwhelmed, they’re channeling their concerns into action, whether through grassroots activism or choosing to support sustainable brands.
This generation isn’t just worried about their future — they’re determined to create a better one. And shouldn’t that be more than enough to move the rest of the world into action?
One of the ways that people are demonstrating their eco-consciousness is by buying more pre-loved clothes instead of brand-new off-the-rack garments. Where do you stand on the issue? Take our quiz to find out!
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