Many people believe that children are the future. But what happens if we don’t secure a new future for them? According to the “largest study of its kind”, Gen Z is experiencing a wave of anxiety in the wake of rampant, unchecked climate change. are.
medical journal lancet A survey of nearly 16,000 16- to 25-year-olds in every U.S. state found that kids aren’t faring any better. A whopping 85% report being concerned about climate change, and this concern remains high across political parties.
Climate change is causing feelings of anxiety (65.8%), helplessness (65.8%), and fear (65.1%) among young people, with the majority agreeing with the sentiment that “people are failing to take care of the planet.” It is designed to do so.
“American youth are suffering emotionally and psychologically from the effects of climate change,” co-author Lise Van Susteren said in the study’s press release. “They are fearful, angry, and doubting their future prospects. As we denounce the mental health crisis among America’s youth and seek answers to address it, this study shows that climate change is a cause of great suffering. “It helps us focus on what’s going on,” she added, explaining that elected officials have a role to play.
Rhode Islanders Gen Z are most concerned about climate change
Concerns are widespread, with at least half of respondents in nearly every state or cluster of states saying they are “very or very concerned.”
However, there are five things young people are most concerned about:
- connecticut and rhode island
- texas
- Massachusetts
- new jersey
- washington
Why are young people in Connecticut most anxious? Research shows that levels of distress about climate change and There are growing calls for greater action. This is true no matter what political party you belong to.
“It is surprising that young people across the country, in every state, and across all political spectrums have such high levels of distress, desire and plans for action,” said lead author Eric Lewandowski. It is written.
However, Republicans are slightly less concerned about the effects of climate change than Democrats and independents. And Gen Z is looking to governments for support, looking for politicians to implement plans to mitigate the worst effects of climate change and work with other countries around the world.
Gen Zers in these states are least concerned about climate change
- Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota
- arkansas
- Alabama
- mississippi
- south carolina
How climate change will impact Gen Z’s future plans
It’s not just the mental health of the youngest generation of workers that will be hit hard by the effects of climate change, but businesses will also feel the strain.
Overall, 76% of respondents said the future is scary, which influences where they want to live, how many children they want to have, and how much they care about their career. About 45% of Gen Z and Millennials plan to quit or have quit their jobs because of concerns about climate change, research shows. deloitte.
In other words, if hurricanes and yellow skies don’t worry you on a personal level, businesses can get in on the game, too.
What we call quiet abstinence or presentism may be a natural outcome of a pervasive malaise caused by the sense that the world as we know it is coming to an end. After all, 62% report feeling that humanity is doomed. If young people don’t feel as if their future is for granted, it’s no wonder they’re less likely to participate in the rat race. Many Gen Zers question the importance of the effort they put into their education (59%) and career (57%).
Aim Kupenkarn, a Gen Z software engineer turned content creator, once said, “It’s hard to get too stressed out at work when you can see the world falling apart before your eyes.” Ta. luck.
