People’s views and level of concern about climate change tend to vary according to age, political affiliation, and other demographic categories. But one clear trend is that young people are overwhelmingly concerned about climate change. Given that they will ultimately suffer from its effects far more than older generations, this is not really surprising.
A new study investigated the views about climate change of 16,000 young Americans aged 16 to 25. The study found that about 60% of respondents said they were either very or extremely worried when asked “How worried, if at all, are you about climate change and its impact on people and the planet?” More than 85% said they experienced at least some level of climate anxiety.
There was similarity in responses across dramatically different geopolitical regions of the country. Responses never differed by more than 25% across all surveyed populations. Concern about climate change transcended political identification. While the Republican group did have a lower level of concern, endorsement of climate issues was still above 50% no matter what group people identified with.
People from Generations Z and Alpha, those with fewer economic resources, people of color, and other vulnerable communities are experiencing the highest levels of climate distress. Research finds that 3% of Americans are experiencing clinically significant climate anxiety.
The true number of people experiencing climate-triggered anxiety may be much higher as some people are hesitant or reluctant to even acknowledge that climate change is happening. Some level of climate anxiety is undoubtedly beneficial for climate action. People who are experiencing distress are the ones most likely to take action.
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The Depths of Their Discontent: Young Americans Are Distraught Over Climate Change
Photo, posted April 23, 2022, courtesy of Mark Dixon via Flickr.
Earth Wise is a production of WAMC Northeast Public Radio
