About the Survey
Working together with The Harris Poll, National 4-H Council wanted to better understand how teens feel about the environment. Nationally, we surveyed a diverse group of 1,500 teens from 13-19 years old exploring their concerns about — and commitment to — protecting the environment. Our goal was to represent their unique voice and create a conversation about their evolving relationship with the outdoor world.
Teens Believe that Waiting to Act Will be too Late for Future Generations
- Addressing climate change NOW is top of mind for 84% of teens.
- Feeling empowered and united, teens want to play an active role in the future success of our planet.
- Although teens want to play an active role, they feel corporations need to play a big part and take action now.
- Voices heard included a wide range of teens 13-19 years old, from urban, suburban and rural communities.
In a Divisive World, Gen Z Unites on Climate Change
- 75% of teens worry about the future of our planet.
- Teens feel the responsibility of caring for our planet falls on everyone.
- Teens feel empowered to help solve the problem and make Earth a healthier planet.
- More than 80% feel the responsibility of the planet falls on everyone and demand that corporations and the government do more.
- Teens feel keeping the Earth healthy and protecting the environment is a bigger priority than economic growth.
Gen Z is Concerned About Their Future and Climate Change
- Only half of teens (54%) feel that their communities are taking an active part in preserving the environment.
- Gen Z has lots of concerns about their future and climate change, including making decisions about careers they’ll pursue and where they’ll live.
- In a rapidly changing world, 84% of teens are concerned with the welfare of wildlife.
- Stepping up to the challenge, 84% of teens would like to be part of the solution.
4-H Puts a Focus on Action and Innovation
- 4-H challenges young people to both understand the problem and to look for solutions.
- 4-H empowers youth for today and a lifetime, giving them the skills they need to create opportunities.
- 4-H educators throughout the Cooperative Extension System utilize the cutting-edge research of America’s land-grant universities to provide hands-on learning experiences
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