The climate anxiety experienced by Gen Z is a pressing issue that requires action for the benefit of all. This is a key focus at Curtin University.
The article discusses the significant climate anxiety experienced by Generation Z, individuals born between 1995 and 2010, as a result of their concerns about the impact of climate change. A study conducted by Curtin University revealed that over 80% of Australian young adults in this age group are either concerned or very concerned about climate change, with many reporting feelings of anxiety related to the issue. Climate anxiety manifests as distressing thoughts, fears of future climate disasters, and distress over the fate of humanity and the planet. It can lead to feelings of fear, insecurity, anger, exhaustion, powerlessness, and sadness.
Professor Dora Marinova, an expert in sustainability at Curtin University, highlighted that climate anxiety is contributing to Gen Z's overall unease about the future, potentially leading to significant long-term consequences. The lack of concrete action taken to address climate change further exacerbates their anxiety. Professor Marinova emphasized that these concerns not only impact the mental health of young people but also influence their life choices, such as career decisions, family planning, and financial habits.
Despite their concerns, only 35% of Generation Z individuals regularly engage in traditional climate activism, such as fundraising, supporting political campaigns, or participating in events like protests. Instead, many of them prefer to use social media to voice their concerns and gather information. Dr. Diana Bogueva, a research fellow at Curtin University, suggested that while online activism is valuable, Gen Z should also consider participating in more traditional forms of activism to engage with policymakers and collaborate with older generations to drive change and alleviate climate anxiety.
Dr. Bogueva stressed that it is not solely Generation Z's responsibility to combat climate change, a crisis they did not create. However, taking meaningful action, such as choosing sustainable career paths and making environmentally conscious consumption choices, can empower individuals and reduce feelings of anxiety and powerlessness. She encouraged young people to explore how they can contribute to solutions in their personal lives and work towards a sustainable future.
The study, titled 'Australia's university Generation Z and its concerns about climate change,' was published in Sustainable Earth Reviews, highlighting the pressing need to address climate anxiety among young people and promote collective action to mitigate the impacts of climate change for the wellbeing of current and future generations.
Source: https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1036516
Professor Dora Marinova, an expert in sustainability at Curtin University, highlighted that climate anxiety is contributing to Gen Z's overall unease about the future, potentially leading to significant long-term consequences. The lack of concrete action taken to address climate change further exacerbates their anxiety. Professor Marinova emphasized that these concerns not only impact the mental health of young people but also influence their life choices, such as career decisions, family planning, and financial habits.
Despite their concerns, only 35% of Generation Z individuals regularly engage in traditional climate activism, such as fundraising, supporting political campaigns, or participating in events like protests. Instead, many of them prefer to use social media to voice their concerns and gather information. Dr. Diana Bogueva, a research fellow at Curtin University, suggested that while online activism is valuable, Gen Z should also consider participating in more traditional forms of activism to engage with policymakers and collaborate with older generations to drive change and alleviate climate anxiety.
Dr. Bogueva stressed that it is not solely Generation Z's responsibility to combat climate change, a crisis they did not create. However, taking meaningful action, such as choosing sustainable career paths and making environmentally conscious consumption choices, can empower individuals and reduce feelings of anxiety and powerlessness. She encouraged young people to explore how they can contribute to solutions in their personal lives and work towards a sustainable future.
The study, titled 'Australia's university Generation Z and its concerns about climate change,' was published in Sustainable Earth Reviews, highlighting the pressing need to address climate anxiety among young people and promote collective action to mitigate the impacts of climate change for the wellbeing of current and future generations.
Source: https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1036516
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