Hot and Bothered: Gen Z's Summer of Activism
With a record-breaking summer ending and millions across the country weary from worrying about the possibility of climate disasters striking their area, we wanted to look back on the news-breaking climate moments that had Gen Z and Gen Alpha feeling hot and bothered this summer.
HAWAIIAN WILDFIRES IGNITE RAGE IN YOUNG PEOPLE
Last month, the deadliest wildfire in American history ravaged the historic town of Lahaina, Maui. With 2,200 acres of land destroyed and over 140 people dead or unaccounted for, the gravity of this catastrophe isn’t lost on young people who see an opportunity to make their voices heard. Kaliko Teruya, a 13-year-old from Maui asked the question: "How many more natural disasters have to happen before grown-ups realize the urgency?” Kaliko is one of 13 young Hawaiians who sued their government over its use of fossil fuels. And they aren’t alone in the legal plight for a cleaner, healthier future. Gen Z and Gen Alpha are harnessing their collective action to make their voices heard in the courts, at the ballot box, and in corporate boardrooms.
GUILTY! GEN Z TAKE THE CLIMATE FIGHT TO COURT
Across the country, young plaintiffs are taking action by bringing lawsuits against their state governments for denying their right to a stable climate and healthy atmosphere. Young people in Montana successfully won a groundbreaking victory after suing for a violation of a clean and healthy environment. Florida, Utah, and Virginia are among other states where pending legal action shepherded by young people is making its way through the court systems. While many of these teens are still unable to cast a ballot in an election, they are finding ways to make democracy work for them.
TOO HOT TO IGNORE
Phoenix, Arizona registered the hottest month for a U.S. city on record this summer with an agonizing 31-day streak of temperatures above 110 degrees. Youth climate activists in Arizona created a list of demands with the Sierra Club of the changes young activists want to see from the Arizona legislature and governor. The list includes measuring and limiting groundwater pumping, more efficient recycling programs, and a stronger commitment to renewable energy. Young Americans in states like Arizona are on the frontlines of the climate crisis and are warning politicians that their votes are not going to candidates who don’t support bold action on climate.
GEN Z CONSIDERS “CLIMATE QUITTING”
Remember the term “quiet quitting” where employees embraced doing the bare minimum in the workplace? Well, a new trend is emerging. Gone are the days when company CEOs could ignore environmental and social issues without risking their bottom line. Now, most young people believe businesses are no different than state governments in being responsible for addressing the climate crisis. Brands need to recognize that they must be active contributors to climate solutions, or risk their employees leaving. Ask the Gen Zers who are “climate quitting,” a term that describes those who leave or turn down offers at companies that fail to meet their ESG expectations. A 2022 UK survey of 2,000 office workers found that over half of 18-to-24-year-olds would consider quitting due to the company's net-zero policies, compared to about a third across all age groups. Just as states must consider potential climate damage when approving new projects, companies should follow suit when thinking about the programs and initiatives they are implementing. Young employees are watching and acting accordingly.
IT’S NOT JUST CLIMATE
With affirmative action and student loan debt cancellation struck down by the high court, a wide range of issues that directly impact young people are bubbling to the surface. On top of that, bans on personal freedoms continue to solicit pushback from Gen Z. Across the country, young people have stood up against book and abortion bans. This comes at a time when more and more of Gen Z are turning 18 and registering to vote. The collective wants of a generation have never been tested as much as they have now, and we will continue to see an empowered Gen Z grow to be the driving force of the electorate. The intersectionality of climate and these issues aren’t just motivating young people to vote - they’re being driven to run for office themselves.
WHAT’S NEXT?
In the face of record-breaking temperatures, a growing sense of urgency to care for the environment, and resounding attacks on personal freedoms (geez, can we catch a break?), Gen Z is stepping up to the plate like never before. And they expect your company to as well. From legal battles against the government to grassroots climate activism in local communities and a renewed commitment to political engagement, Gen Z is undoubtedly down for the fight. They are not just feeling hot and bothered about climate change but are taking action to shape the future they want to inherit. They are shaping our tomorrow and our world today - demanding change and inspiring us all to join in the quest for a brighter and more sustainable future. Ask yourself: how can I help to elevate the issues that matter most to young people?