3 Reasons Why Gen Z is the Most Important Generation for Conservation
Researchers have found that Gen Z particularly feel personally connected to the climate crisis, and as a university student, I’ve experienced this firsthand. Our engagement with issues such as global warming and plastic pollution means our next stop must be biodiversity protection. And here's why:
Social Media
As we have grown up with social media, we easily use it as a tool to incite change. Young people dominate online platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Twitter, spreading awareness of issues through viral videos using #ClimateChange and #environmental action.
With wildlife content creators getting bigger and bigger, it is without a doubt that we need to include biodiversity protection in the conversation.
Eco-Friendly Living
Gen Z has been pushing the charge for eco-friendly lifestyles across the board. A study by the Vegan Society shows that veganism has quadrupled in the UK since 2014, driven mostly by the younger generation! Not only that, but our preference towards cycling, public transport and electric scooters significantly reduces our carbon footprint more than ever. We have definitely seen Gen Z put our words into action to #SaveTheTurtles.
Who knew that our giant Stanley cups have that much of an impact?
Future World Leaders
As the generation emerging into the workforce, Gen Z are prioritising environmental responsibility and will continue to push for more. There has been a rise in students enrolling in university courses like Environmental Science, Renewable Energy and Sustainable Business. This means that we are clued up on environmental issues more than ever before!
As we move into positions of power, we will without a doubt integrate sustainable practices into not just the workplace but government policies and then we can definitely SAVE THE WORLD!
Environmental education is what truly sets us apart from all generations before us, so it is vital that WE are the ones to make a difference.
Written by Marissa Promesse, University of Warwick
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