Gen Z and the Climate Revolution

Young Crusaders rewriting the rules of the Climate Revolution

- Ankur R. Gupta

Every generation has played a crucial role in the continuous effort to tackle climate change, a journey marked by milestones from the inaugural Earth Day in 1970 to the landmark Paris Agreement in 2015. Now, a dynamic new force has emerged, rewriting the playbook of environmental action: Gen Z. Born between the mid-1990s and early 2010s, this generation is not only deeply concerned but is also actively reshaping the climate conversation and driving tangible change globally, including here in India.

Having grown up under the palpable shadow of significant climatic changes, such as floods, tsunamis, rising global temperatures, depleting biodiversity, and pervasive pollution, Gen Zers are understandably anxious about their health and future. What truly sets them apart is their acute sense of urgency, which fuels their unique fusion of activism, technology, and culture into a movement unlike any before. They are not only advocating for climate action but are also pushing for fundamental system change.

Worldwide surveys indicate that these young individuals are actively campaigning for broader political and social change, fighting for social justice and equality, and demanding that governments prioritize human well-being over purely economic growth.

From leading impactful protests and championing plant-based diets to launching viral campaigns and establishing innovative climate-friendly startups, Gen Z is redefining what climate action looks like in the 21st century.

So, what are these Young Crusaders up to?

• "This is our planet, and we're making it part of who we are."