Gen Z and the Climate Revolution

from Storizen Magazine April 2025 | Roopa Pai

SEEDS OF CHANGEINVESTING IN OUR PLANET’S FUTURE

YoungCrusadersrewritingtherulesoftheClimateRevolution

byAnkurR.Gupta

very 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."

Unlike older generations, who often relied on dedicated activists and leaders to address environmental issues, Gen Z has deeply integrated the fight against climate change into their identity This profound personal commitment drives them to take public action, ranging from impactful high school walkouts to creating influential campaigns on platforms like TikTok Consequently, these younger activists frequently lead the climate debate, with prominent voices like Greta Thunberg and organizations like the youth-led Sunrise Movement They advocate for a greater focus on climate change and have been highly visible in global conversations pushing for climate action.

Consider Greta Thunberg, for example. This young activist from Sweden initiated her powerful protest all by herself outside the Swedish Parliament in Stockholm when she was just 15. Her consistent act of skipping school every Friday, holding a sign that declared "School Strike for Climate," stemmed from her demand for more decisive action on climate change

Remarkably, this solitary act sparked a global phenomenon known as "Fridays for Future" or School Strike for Climate, and it resonated deeply, leading to millions of students in over 150 countries joining the movement

Furthermore, this impactful youth-led activism is not just a Western phenomenon In India, Licypriya Kangujam, a remarkable 12-year-old environmental advocate from Manipur, is often recognized as "India's Greta Thunberg " Her journey of speaking up for climate action began when she was only six Her dedication has even led her to address world leaders, urging them to make urgent changes to protect India's future

"Power of Social Media"

While older generations relied on printed flyers, radio broadcasts, and physical demonstrations to rally support, Gen Z leverages the power of social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter to mobilize vast numbers of people within hours. Campaigns such as #FridaysForFuture and #StopWillow in the U.S. vividly demonstrate how a viral video or meme can achieve an impact comparable to a traditional march on Washington.

In India, "Fridays For Future India," co-founded by Disha Ravi, a young woman from Bengaluru, has effectively harnessed the reach of Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook to campaign against significant projects like the Etalin Hydropower Project in Arunachal Pradesh and controversial amendments to India's Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) 2020 , These projects posed a threat to environmental protection and the rights of indigenous communities These online protests got thousands of young Indians involved Also, proving that when you use social media the right way, you can challenge big decisions and companies, even on a national level

“No More Greenwashing”

While older generations often focused on individual actions like recycling more or turning off lights as the primary means of environmental contribution, Gen Zers assert that large corporations and governments bear significant responsibility for the extent of pollution. They are vocal in calling out instances of "greenwashing," where companies superficially present themselves as eco-friendly without implementing substantial changes This generation demands transparency and honesty from these major players regarding their environmental practices

Ridhima Pandey, another young and determined crusader in India, exemplifies this assertive stance At the young age of nine in 2017, she took the bold step of filing a petition against the Indian government, advocating for more decisive and more explicit action on climate change Similarly, groups like "Let India Breathe" and "There Is No Earth B," predominantly run by Gen Z volunteers, consistently raise critical questions about large-scale projects that threaten forests, rivers, and local communities, effectively leveraging social media to ensure accountability.

On a global scale, the ExxonMobil shareholder revolt in 2021 further illustrates the growing influence of this generation. Young investors utilized online campaigns and their collective power as shareholders to pressure a major oil company to adopt more sustainable practices This event underscores Gen Z's significant impact and evolving strategies in driving corporate environmental responsibility

“Making Green the New Cool”

Gen Z does more than protest They are creating a culture focused on sustainability They find great clothes at thrift stores They creatively give new life to old items They are eating more plant-based meals They are also trying to create zero waste and make eco-friendly habits desirable In India, young, eco-conscious people are changing how people live in cities Influencers like Aakash Ranison, a climate activist, traveler, and author, use social media, books, and talks to share about sustainable living, being vegan, and creating zero waste The rise of online thrift stores and sustainability-focused groups is becoming increasingly prevalent in major Indian cities such as Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru Young Indians are enthusiastically embracing secondhand fashion, creatively upcycling old items, and consciously rejecting single-use plastics. Their collective efforts are aimed at integrating green living as a regular and integral part of their daily routines.

Globally, platforms like "Depop," a popular fashion resale application boasting over 30 million users, highlight this trend Additionally, celebrity-driven sustainable initiatives, such as Billie Eilish's climatepositive world tour, are redefining the concept of "cool" within pop culture, effectively placing sustainability at the forefront of mainstream consciousness

To Conclude

What's incredible about how Gen Z is tackling climate change is that they don't see it as a science problem or a political debate For them, it's a social thing, part of our culture, and feels personal From India to Sweden, from funny memes to essential meetings, they've woven taking care of the planet into pretty much everything in modern life This has created a global movement that feels more like everyone's invited, diverse, and urgent than ever before

As this generation grows and takes on more critical roles (in administration, businesses, and education), we may finally see the significant, all-around climate action the world has needed for so long.

"Gen Zers bring us a lot of hope.They're not just discussing a better future but making it happen."

Ankur R Gupta - Ankur R Gupta is a multifaceted individual with a passion for storytelling and a deep understanding of human psychology

As an author, writer, and cybercrime intervention officer, her articles and stories delve into the complexities of human emotions, relationships, and the pursuit of personal well-being

Through her captivating narratives, she invites readers to embark on a journey of introspection and self-discovery.

In addition to her writing pursuits, Ankur is an avid traveler. She is particularly drawn to historical and adventurous destinations, where she immerses herself in diverse cultures, traditions, and histories. These experiences serve as a wellspring of inspiration for her work, adding depth and authenticity to her stories and articles

@ankurrastogigupta https://inkmyword medium com

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