The debate surrounding the issue of climate change permeates every level of our daily lives. Whether this is through social media, advertising campaigns, the news, or a conversation in the pub between friends, discussion about this global crisis is more prevalent than ever before. This leads us to question why younger generations seem to be more passionate and vocal in advocating for change and raising awareness of its impacts.
One major distinction to consider is that younger generations have grown up surrounded by discussion on the topic, and therefore may have greater awareness. Despite ultimately having contributed the least to global warming, they are still going to be the ones facing its impacts so may be more aware of the consequences of their actions, making more conscious or informed choices as a result.
It is also vital to consider the role that social media may have played in facilitating wider discussion and awareness surrounding climate change. With most of us having some form of social media, and possibly being more active online compared to older generations, we have access to a global platform that allows us to spread awareness of issues.
So, whether the younger generations ‘care’ more is a complex question. Do we simply have more tools to enable wider discussion and awareness? It also bears considering whether we are just exposed to more people our own age online, and therefore have greater exposure to the action being taken.
The actions of those in power are also indicative of political priorities as there is a staggering lack of action in response to this critical situation. In the UK, the growing popularity of parties with environmentally focused policies, such as the Green Party, reflects that these policies are a higher priority for Britain’s youth.
However, this may not necessarily just be a result of young people reaching voting age. Society as whole is uniting in demanding action, as climate change and its impacts become more obvious, and understanding of the crisis and its severity becomes more widespread.
The increasing awareness of ‘eco-anxiety’ amongst younger generations reflects the repercussions on mental health, which are associated with the changing climate and an ecologically unstable future. Furthermore, the small-scale responses which people have had to global warming include a number of lifestyle changes.
Whether this is the rising number of people driving electric cars, the values of the companies that we choose to support, or the amount of people who have adopted a vegan diet in order to reduce their carbon emissions, it reflects the changing attitudes of the public and how many people, perhaps regardless of age, want to make active choices to respond to this climate emergency.
Overall, whilst younger generations have arguably been more vocal in protesting and advocating for action, to use the blanket statement that they are more ‘passionate’ about the crisis may be unfair. As global warming and climate change have become critical issues, there has been increased public concern and awareness.
Furthermore, those who have been directly impacted by disasters such as wildfires, heatwaves, or flooding, as a result of climate change, will arguably be more passionate about the issues, regardless of their generation.
So, whilst concern for the climate may transcend age, it is the younger generation who are facing the greatest impact and repercussions, and therefore have the greatest reason to be more passionate about the crisis and the future they are set to inherit.
