Teen Environmental
Impact Survey
Gen Z unites on climate change.
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.
Addressing climate change NOW is top of mind for 84% of teens. They Believe that waiting to act will be too late for future generations.
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.
Only half of teens (54%) feel that their communities are taking an active part in preserving the environment.
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.
Teens spend the equivalent of less than 11 days outdoors PER YEAR.
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.
About 1 in 10 teens did not engage in outdoor activities growing up.
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
Research
Research shows that 4‑H helps young people excel beyond their peers. The 4‑H Study of Positive Youth Development, conducted by Tufts University, explores the impact that participation in 4‑H has on youth.
