Generation Z is coming of age at a time when the effects of climate change, including rising temperatures, are increasingly widespread. As these young people grow into adulthood, their views of climate change will shape the nation’s response to climate-related challenges. The Walton Family Foundation and Gallup partnered to better understand how these young people experience climate change, their worries about climate effects and their views of their generation’s future.

Water Issues Top the List of Gen Z’s Climate Worries

Of 12 climate issues measured in the study majorities of Gen Zers express “a great deal” or “some” worry about nine including five that are related to water. Members of Gen Z worry the most about pollution of lakes rivers and oceans (72%) the health of fish and oceans (66%) and extreme heat or cold (65%). Between 53% and58% worry about the food supply in the U.S. the availability of clean drinking water rising sea levels warming oceans tornadoes and wildfires. At the same time, less than half of Gen Zers worry about flooding, hurricanes and droughts.