Do younger generations care more about environmental issues? A comparison of perceptions between Gen Z and Gen X in Jo-hannesburg, South Africa

ABSTRACT

Many studies around the world have shown differences between generational cohorts in levels of concern about global environmental change. Global environmental change caused by the anthropogenic practices poses a threat to human life as well as biodiversity, and it is perpetuated by the lack of awareness of environmental sustainability. To spread awareness where it is lacking, it is important to determine which generation is more concerned about global environmental change. This study analysed the Knowledges, Attitudes and Practices of Gen X and Gen Z to determine which one is more concerned about global environmental change. There were no significant differences seen between the two generations in their respective levels of green knowledgeand their level of concern for climate change and environmental problems. There was, however, a significant difference in the peer discussions on global warming of the two cohorts; the results revealed that discussions are more common in the Gen X cohort. Investigating environmental perceptions in light of generational cohorts is of importance to environmental groups seeking to communicate with different generational cohorts to push the climate change movement forward, strategise better for climate adaptation plans and for policy makers to better advocate for climate action.

KEYWORDS:

• Gen X
• Gen Z
• knowledge
• attitude
• practices
• global environmental change

SUBJECT CLASSIFICATION CODES:

• environmental studies

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).