Fresh takes on climate change: The power of Gen Z perspectives in tech and venture capital (2024)

FAQs

How is Gen Z affected by climate change? ›

Similarly previous research shows members of Gen Z agree with the scientific community in that global warming is caused by human activities and has life-threatening impacts – facts influencing these young people to develop symptoms of anxiety, stress and depression [35, 37, 38, 46].

"Gen Z should consider participating in more traditional or mainstream areas of activism such as political campaigns to engage with policy makers and better connect with other generations to influence decision makers, to accelerate climate action, and help safeguard a liveable planet for all," she said.

What are climate technologies? Technologies that we use to address climate change are known as climate technologies. Climate technologies that help us reduce greenhouse gas emissions include renewable energies such as wind energy, solar power and hydropower.

The eco-conscious generation

They are growing up in a world of climate change, pollution, and plastic waste, and they are acutely aware of the impact that humans are having on the environment. As a result, Gen Z has a strong commitment to sustainability, with 82% expressing concern about the state of the planet.

The impact of technology on Generation Z has led Generation Zers to use their gadgets for every day-to-day activity; for example, chatting, video chats, studying, games, and channeling creativity. A study says 66% of Gen Z use more than one gadget at once.

From issues like discrimination and human rights to personal safety and violence, it's all stressful to younger Americans. But, like their older counterparts, health- and finance-related concerns topped the list of stressors.

The consultancy giant surveyed more than 22,800 Gen Z and millennials in 44 countries across most continents and found that climate change is anxiety-inducing for the majority of respondents: 62% of Gen Zs and 59% of millennials reported feeling anxious about the state of the planet in the past month alone.

Gen Z Mental Health Statistics

Harmony Healthcare IT released a report that revealed that anxiety in Gen Z has reached an alarming level with 61% having been medically diagnosed with an anxiety condition.

Saving Energy

Technology has helped save and restore balance in the environment. Smart Appliances like Air Conditioners and Refrigerators can be cited as examples. These appliances can be turned off through smartphones when they are not in use. Therefore the energy can be conserved.

Why is climate technology important? ›

The term 'climate tech' generally refers to a group of technologies that aim to address climate change by reducing or eliminating greenhouse gases from one or more sectors of economic activity (i.e., decarbonisation) and/or contributing to de-pollution (e.g., reduce water pollution) of industries.

Some examples include developing new and improved technologies for reducing GHG emissions (such as enhanced energy efficiency technologies and wind, solar, geothermal-based, and other energy sources that emit few or no GHGs), assessing alternative methods to limit the magnitude of future climate change (such as ...

Gen Z's heightened awareness of climate change is partly attributed to being digital natives, as their strong social media literacy keeps them connected to global events, including climate disasters.

In many ways, this instilled resilience and adaptability, but it also kept them from experiencing the world—and the workplace—in the same way prior generations did. A strong sense of personal beliefs and emphasis on diversity, individuality, and mental health distinguishes Gen Z from previous cohorts.

Generation Y and Z are only one decade apart. They share a similar and different characteristic. This study showed that Generation Y and Z both real concerns about environmental issues in this world.

While climate change affects everyone, those who have contributed the least to the crisis—children, those in poverty, and future generations—are the most affected. Extreme temperatures leave many families living in poverty with less food, less clean water, lower incomes and worsening health.

Economic Security

Multiple studies have reported that personal finances, jobs, debt, the cost of living and housing insecurity are major sources of stress for Gen Z.