Young People Seek More and Better Information about Sustainable Living
“Today’s young people are driven by a blend of practicality, ideology, and hope. Nowhere is this combination more evident than around the issue of sustainability education, as young people hunger for hands-on learning opportunities, while looking to companies to provide them with volunteering and other skill-building opportunities. At the same time, young people are keeping an eye on corporate environmental policies to determine where they want to work and shop.”
June 6, 2023
Where do young people go to learn about the sustainability issues that matter to their communities?
According to a just-released environmental-sustainability report by JA Worldwide and EY, Gen Z and Gen Alpha rely most on social media to learn about sustainability, but they don’t necessarily trust what they find on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
JA and EY found that, while both younger generations (Gen Z and Gen Alpha) are better educated on sustainability and environmental issues than any generation before, they desire more and better information about local environmental issues that concern them most. And they want to learn how to overcome barriers to sustainable living, such as the perceived cost of achieving a sustainable lifestyle.
The study began with a survey that included 24 questions about participants’ environmental concerns, their current engagement and future action plans, and their ideas for improving sustainability education. This resulting report includes findings from more than 1,200 responses in 72 countries.
Read more about the sustainability study—and download the full report—at ey.com.
“Young people are not only future world leaders but also today’s leading voices for sustainability and climate justice. But they need the help of older generations, educators and corporations to learn how to become more knowledgeable through trusted sources, how to advocate effectively and how to partner with allies. Our most recent collaboration with EY highlights these needs and lays the foundation for helping Gen Z grow into their aspirations.”