Half of young people suffer from eco-anxiety

• Data shows that Gen Z is deeply concerned about climate change.
• Young people aged 16 to 25 rank climate change as their second most important priority, after the cost of living.
• The younger generation doubts the climate sincerity of governments and businesses.
• Gen Z views climate action as an opportunity for businesses.
• However, their actions sometimes remain inconsistent with their concerns due to an abundance-driven supply policy and a lack of training.

Data shows that Gen Z is deeply concerned about climate change.

In a study published in 2021, The Lancet Planetary Health, a leading scientific journal, reveals data collected from 10,000 Gen Z youth across 10 countries (Australia, Brazil, Finland, France, India, Nigeria, Philippines, Portugal, the UK, and the USA, with 1,000 participants per country). This study, the first of its scale, reveals the significant implications of climate change on the anxiety levels of young people and their sense of powerlessness in the face of the magnitude of future risks and consequences. In detail, the study indicates that 59% were worried or extremely worried, and 84% were at least somewhat worried. Many young people associate climate change with feelings of sadness and anxiety, with 75% believing the future is frightening, and 83% feeling that the fight against global warming is failing. Most young people perceive a sense of betrayal and feel that their future is being sacrificed by older generations.

"The data show a clear climate anxiety and a sense of betrayal among young people" - Stanford University.

Data shows that young people aged 16 to 25 rank climate change as their second most important priority, after the cost of living.

According to the new report on the priorities of Gen Z and Millennials produced by the firm Deloitte in 2022, conducted on 23,000 people worldwide, 75% believe the world is at a tipping point for taking immediate action on the existential issue of climate change. Many of them have been personally impacted by a severe climate event, such as a heatwave exceeding 40°C, or drought or heavy rainfall causing flooding. However, less than half are optimistic about humanity's ability to make the efforts required to safeguard a viable climate.

The younger generation doubts the climate sincerity of governments and businesses, according to the collected data.

According to data collected by Deloitte, only 15% of young people believe that large companies are taking substantial measures to combat climate change. The same applies to their opinion of their governments. Only one in ten Gen Z youth believes their government is actively engaged in fighting climate change. Finally, they are only slightly more optimistic about their own employers, as 18% of Gen Z believe their employer is fighting climate change. However, young people view advocating for climate action as an opportunity they can promote internally. They believe that if their employer truly takes action and considers their recommendations, they will be more likely to stay with the company, creating new ways for organizations to foster loyalty.

Gen Z views climate action as an opportunity for businesses.

The younger generation wants to take part in climate action and receive training on the issues to better understand the levers for change. They want companies to involve employees in visible action programs and to implement zero-tolerance policies regarding their stakeholders in the context of energy sobriety.

Gen Z sometimes remains inconsistent with its concerns due to an abundance-driven supply policy and a lack of training. A portion of young people, however, are highly committed.

Several sources have shown that the 16-25 age group is flying more frequently, with longer distances traveled, in total contradiction with climate change mitigation goals. Furthermore, some consume mass-produced fast fashion promoted by influencers on social media. These behaviors denote an inconsistency with the aforementioned aspirations, but are made possible by an absence of carbon and energy sobriety policies. Moreover, due to a lack of training on climate change issues and the scale of the phenomenon, they are not always aware of the impact of their purchasing decisions. Nevertheless, a study published by the social network Pinterest in mid-2021 demonstrates the rise of a "Greenaissance" movement. This reflects a growing awareness among young people, following lockdowns and curfews, of the need to limit carbon footprints and increase energy efficiency. The social network confirms that it is in the best interest of brands to make real climate commitments and to inspire action by leading by example.