New research is set to explore how younger people view the climate crisis compared to older generations. The study will look into whether millennials and Gen Z feel more anxious about environmental issues, who they blame for these problems, and how they cope with their feelings.
Social media often highlights tensions between generations. Many younger individuals point fingers at baby boomers for contributing to global issues like climate change. This kind of blame can distract from finding real solutions and may even create further division.
The research will also investigate whether being part of a community can ease climate anxiety and motivate young people to engage politically. Led by Professor Juliet Carlisle from the University of Exeter, this project is sponsored by the US-UK Fulbright Commission.
Professor Carlisle emphasizes the need to understand how different age groups think about climate change to effectively engage them. “Climate change has been linked to increased mental health issues like anxiety, depression, and even suicide,” she notes. “It’s likely that younger people will experience even more climate anxiety in the future. Finding ways to build their resilience and involve them in solutions could be very different from approaches used for older generations.” She adds that positive feelings, like hope, can drive resilience, inspire action, and ease anxiety.
The study aims to determine if younger people have different emotional responses to climate change compared to older individuals and how community engagement might foster hope and political action across generations.
Generational differences in attitudes toward climate change may result from the younger generation’s increased exposure to environmental education, media coverage, and extreme weather events. While today’s youth might feel the impact of these changes more deeply, comparing them to the activists from past decades can shed light on how environmental movements have evolved.
As part of her research, Professor Carlisle plans to speak with members of community groups in Exeter. “I’m curious about whether hope can lessen the impact of climate anxiety and whether this leads to political action,” she says. “What does hope look like across different generations, and what are its implications for the future of climate policy in the UK?”
This study comes at a crucial time. Recent surveys indicate that climate anxiety is a growing concern among young people. According to a study from the Yale Program on Climate Change Communication, over 60% of young adults feel anxious about climate change, highlighting the urgent need to address these feelings.
Understanding these dynamics can help shape more effective climate policies and community initiatives that resonate with younger generations. As climate discourse continues to evolve, it’s essential to recognize the unique perspectives and emotions of each generation in shaping our collective future.
