Millennials, born between 1981 and 1996, are coming of age in a world grappling with the escalating impacts of climate change or global warming as it is usually called. This generation exhibits a heightened awareness of environmental issues and a pronounced willingness to engage in citizen action initiatives aimed at mitigating climate change and adapting to its consequences. This article delves into research on this subject, specifically focusing on Millennials and their involvement in citizen action initiatives.
Climate Change and Millennials: An Overview
Studies indicate that Millennials demonstrate a greater concern for climate change compared to older generations. Research conducted by the Centre for Climate Change and Social Transformations (CAST) reveals that Millennials and Gen Z experience heightened levels of fear, guilt, and outrage regarding the impacts of this issue, compared to Gen X, Baby Boomers, and the post-war generation 1. Interestingly, while Millennials exhibit higher levels of climate worry, their understanding of climate change causes and impacts is similar to that of older generations 1. This suggests that their emotional response is a key driver of their engagement with the issue.
This heightened emotional engagement may stem from Millennials being the first generation to tangibly experience the effects of global warming during their lifetimes 2. They have witnessed an increase in natural disasters, rising sea levels, and escalating temperatures 2. In the United States, Millennials have grown up in a climate that is warmer, with more intense storms and larger wildfires than experienced by previous generations 3.
A Pew Research Center survey highlights that Millennials are particularly engaged with climate change, especially in terms of activism and social media engagement 4. They actively participate in online discussions and take action to address the issue 5. To further understand Millennials’ perspectives on the issue, a study employed focus group interviews with 14 undergraduate students aged 18-28 from two universities in northern New Jersey 6. The study aimed to explore Millennials’ beliefs and perceptions about climate change and sustainability research.
Impact of Climate Change on Millennials
Climate change exerts a multifaceted impact on Millennials, influencing their mental health, economic prospects, and overall well-being. Evidence suggests a rise in climate anxiety among young people, with Millennials experiencing feelings of worry, negative thoughts, and emotions that can hinder their daily functioning 8. The increasing frequency of extreme weather events and wildfires contributes to this anxiety 9. Millennials, in particular, experience anxiety about the future when encountering global warming content online, highlighting the psychological impact of this issue on this generation 4.
In addition to mental health, this issue also poses a threat to Millennials’ economic security. Rising sea levels and extreme weather events can damage infrastructure, disrupt supply chains, and lead to job losses in various sectors 3. Millennials are also likely to face higher costs of living due to global warming impacts on agriculture, energy, and insurance.
Furthermore, Millennials perceive this issue as a more significant threat than older generations, as indicated by the Chicago Council Survey 7. They also express greater concern about disruptions in energy supply, reflecting their awareness of the interconnectedness between energy systems and climate change. This heightened awareness of various threats underscores the multifaceted impact of climate change on Millennials’ lives. It is also important to note that there has been an increase in worry about global warming among all age groups, with Millennials showing a significant increase in concern 10.
Millennial Involvement in Climate Change Mitigation
Millennials are actively involved in various mitigation strategies aimed at curbing greenhouse gas emissions and slowing down climate change. They are more likely to embrace sustainable lifestyles, such as reducing their carbon footprint by using public transportation, biking, and consuming less meat 11. They also demonstrate a preference for sustainable products and are willing to pay more for them 9. Findings show that Millennials are increasingly conscious of recycling and sustainable consumption habits, suggesting a shift in consumer behavior driven by environmental awareness 2.
Beyond individual actions, Millennials are engaged in political action to address the issue. They are more likely to contact government officials to urge action and to prioritize climate change as a voting issue 12. A Pew Research Center survey found that 32% of Gen Zers and 28% of Millennials have taken at least one of four actions (donating money, contacting an elected official, volunteering, or attending a rally) to help address climate change in the last year, compared with smaller shares of Gen X (23%) and Baby Boomer and older adults (21%) 4. This political engagement is crucial for driving policy changes and promoting large-scale mitigation efforts.
Millennials’ involvement in mitigation extends beyond individual choices and political action. They are also engaged in broader efforts to promote renewable energy sources, enhance energy efficiency measures, and advocate for sustainable land use practices 13. This comprehensive approach to mitigation highlights Millennials’ commitment to addressing climate change from various angles.
Millennial Involvement in Climate Change Adaptation
Millennials are not only focused on mitigating climate change but also on adapting to its unavoidable impacts. They are more likely to support policies and initiatives that promote resilience in local communities and ecosystems 4. This includes measures such as investing in renewable energy, improving infrastructure, and protecting natural resources 11. The EPA also outlines various strategies for climate change adaptation, including ecosystem protection and water resource management, providing a framework for understanding adaptation efforts and highlighting specific areas where Millennials can contribute 14.
Millennials’ emotional response to the issue may be a key factor in their higher levels of activism and engagement with adaptation strategies 1. This underscores the importance of addressing climate anxiety and channeling those emotions into constructive action.
Citizen Action Initiatives and Millennials
Millennials are playing a significant role in citizen action initiatives related to climate change. The table below summarizes their involvement in various initiatives:
| Citizen Action Initiative | Millennial Involvement |
|---|---|
| Community-based sustainability initiatives | Participating in community gardens, solidarity purchasing groups, community-supported agriculture, and other initiatives that promote sustainable living and reduce carbon footprints 15 |
| Climate activism | Participating in climate strikes, protests, and online campaigns to demand action from leaders and corporations 11 |
| Advocacy and education | Using social media and other platforms to raise awareness about climate change, educate others about its impacts, and advocate for solutions 16 |
| Sustainable consumption | Making conscious choices to support sustainable businesses and reduce their consumption of goods and services that contribute to global warming 11 |
| Political engagement | Contacting elected officials, voting for candidates who prioritize climate action, and supporting policies that address the issue 16 |
Citizen Action NY, for example, is actively involved in advocating for legislative initiatives to address climate action. These initiatives include:
- New York Heat Act (S2016/A3351): This act aims to force utility companies to reduce gas sales and cap prices, promoting a transition to cleaner energy sources.
- Climate Change Superfund Act (S2129/A4592): This act seeks to hold fossil fuel companies accountable for their contribution to the climate crisis by requiring them to pay for solutions.
- Renewable Capitol Act (S2689/A5633): This act mandates that the State Capitol and other State buildings in Albany transition to renewable energy within three years, setting an example for sustainable infrastructure.
- The People’s Climate Justice Budget: This initiative advocates for allocating at least $1 billion to the state’s Climate Action Fund for critical climate, transportation, housing, and energy programs 17.
These examples illustrate the diverse ways in which Millennials are participating in citizen action initiatives to address the issue at local, regional, and national levels. It is important to recognize that community-based sustainability initiatives play a significant role in the transition towards a low-carbon society 15. These grassroots efforts, often driven by Millennials, are essential for creating a sustainable future.
Works cited
- https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/news/view/2730843-millennials-and-gen-z-have-higher-rates-of-climate-worry
- https://www.paradigmsoftware.com/Blog?title=Millennials-and-the-Future-of-Our-Environment
- https://environmentamerica.org/illinois/center/resources/how-do-millennials-experience-climate-change/
- https://www.pewresearch.org/science/2021/05/26/gen-z-millennials-stand-out-for-climate-change-activism-social-media-engagement-with-issue/
- https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2021/05/26/key-findings-how-americans-attitudes-about-climate-change-differ-by-generation-party-and-other-factors/
- https://digitalcommons.montclair.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1583&context=etd
- https://globalaffairs.org/commentary-and-analysis/blogs/millennials-and-gen-z-sound-alarm-climate-change
- https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/14693062.2024.2341080
- https://action.deloitte.com/insight/3378/gen-zs-and-millennials-doing-demanding-more-around-climate-change
- https://www.climatechangecommunication.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Do-Millennials-See-Climate-Change-as-More-Than-Just-a-Meme.pdf
- https://www.generationzalpha.com/blog/gen-z-and-climate-change
- https://climatecommunication.yale.edu/publications/do-younger-generations-care-more-about-global-warming/
- https://earthathome.org/de/climate-change-mitigation/mitigation-strategies/
- https://www.epa.gov/arc-x/strategies-climate-change-adaptation
- https://granicus.com/blog/community-engagement-steps-up-participation-in-climate-action/
- https://www.un.org/en/actnow/ten-actions
- https://citizenactionny.org/climate/