Pull Up A Chair Gen Z; The Sustainability Development Table Needs You
Climate Change is affecting everyone but in terms of lifetime impact, Gen Z is the first generation to experience all stages. Year 2050 and beyond, they will be the ones feeling the results of current policies to curb soaring temperatures or to bear the results of lacking policies.
Having a different point of view on the world, the youth will bring a new perspective to the progress of our future in the world. Gen Z will bring a fresh perspective to the issue by giving direct insight into factors not available to older adults. They were born into a world with technology, violence in schools, global lockdowns, inflation, and can offer innovative ideas and solutions. Their unique perspective gives them the capacity to challenge existing power holders, to identify where change is needed, and expose contradictions within the infrastructure. When you are young, the world is new which cultivates questions. Empowering young people with knowledge through access to programs, workshops, and communication with civic leaders can strengthen leadership skills. Empowerment of the youth in society is vital for the transition from human-centered to an Eco-social focus helping to reach the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Inspiring others to act more sustainably, the youth of today has never known a world without the internet, smart phones, and are tech savvy. Following in Gen Xers footsteps, 75% of them prefer to buy sustainable products rather than purchasing based on brand name. Demanding climate change action from those in power and making eco-conscious decisions flexing purchasing power while choosing work with eco-friendly companies, the youth of today is driven by changing the world for the better. They are willing to adapt behaviors and transition lifestyle to assure the integrity of the planet. They are not finding a way to leave the planet or preparing for an apocalypse, which is not to say a plan b does not have a place. They have hope for the future. They are independent, resourceful, innovative, problem solvers, much like the Gen X latchkey kids.
Greta Thunberg, Mari Copeny, Russell Raymond, Isra Hirsi, Licypriya Kangujam, Azmal Hossan, and Haven Coleman are just a few youth advocates changing policies and demanding a better future. One of the youngest, being 10, is dedicated to fighting for the planet. With so many more advocating from an early age, they have earned their seat at the table. Sustainability is not a teen fad for this generation, it is a necessity. We must ask ourselves; how can we nurture this passion and drive for a better world? Exposing youth to accessible summer workshops supported by sound research, implementing sustainability curricula, and supporting community activism are a few ways to support our youth. Most importantly, we need to put a seat at the table. We need to listen to their perspective and respect their point of view. Future successes or failures with the plans we make now determine their future, so they have a right and are more than willing to be a part of the solution.
Teresa Perkins is a climate change and sustainability journalist, who is creating research-based climate change content pertaining to sustainable energy at local, national, and global level for publication and distribution. She partners with non-profit organizations for innovative ideas and sustainability projects and connects global UN Climate Change reports to local initiatives.
