Climate anxiety is reshaping Gen Z's life choices, from careers to zip codes

A study just published by The Lancet Planetary Health explores climate-related emotions among US adolescents and young adults aged 16-25. Six key findings:

🙁 Of the study's 15,793 respondents, 85% reported being at least moderately worried about climate change and its impacts, with 58% being very or extremely worried, which is notably higher than in previous studies and suggests climate concerns are intensifying rather than diminishing among young Americans.

🗳️ The distress cuts across political lines. While Democrats showed higher levels of concern, a majority of young Republicans also reported significant worry about climate change, challenging assumptions about partisan divides. Nearly one in four (73%) said they're likely to vote for candidates who support aggressive climate policies, indicating this issue could influence future voting patterns and policy.

👶 Climate anxiety is impacting major life decisions: 69% said climate change will influence where they choose to live, 67% expect it will affect their career choices, and 52% report being hesitant to have children due to climate concerns.

🧠 Mental health impacts are significant, too: 43% indicated climate change is affecting their mental health, while 38% reported that climate-related feelings negatively impact their daily functioning, including the ability to focus at work/school, sleep, eat and maintain relationships.

🏭 Those surveyed primarily place responsibility with corporations and industries (89%) and with the US government (86%) for both causing and addressing the climate crisis, suggesting they expect systemic solutions.

💼 Corporate climate action matters to young talent: 67% report they plan to choose employers based on commitment to sustainability and reducing climate impact, which will no doubt affect future workforce dynamics.