Survey of young people aged 16-25 from all US states shows concerns across political spectrum

Survey of young people aged 16-25 from all US states shows concerns across political spectrum

The overwhelming majority of young Americans worry about the climate crisis, and more than half say their concerns about the environment will affect where they decide to live and whether to have children, new research finds.

The study comes just weeks after back-to-back hurricanes, Helene and Milton, pummeled the south-eastern US. Flooding from Helene caused more than 600 miles of destruction, from Florida’s west coast to the mountains of North Carolina, while Milton raked across the Florida peninsula less than two weeks later.

“One of the most striking findings of the survey was that this was across the political spectrum,” said the lead author, Eric Lewandowski, a clinical psychologist and associate professor at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine. “There was no state sample where the endorsement of climate anxiety came in less than 75%.”

The study was published in the Lancet Planetary Health, and follows a 2021 study covering 10 countries. Both the previous and current study were paid for by Avaaz, an advocacy group.

  • Longing@lemmy.world
    71·
    28 days ago

    There’s also a huge amount of political cynicism. It’s easier to just think that there can be no change, and that my one vote doesn’t matter, and that all politicians are evil. I saw this way too much during my college days.

    • knightly the Sneptaur@pawb.social
      24·
      27 days ago

      It’s true, though. America is not and has never been a Democracy, the only votes that matter are thosr cast in swing counties in a few states.

      • abigscaryhobo@lemmy.world
        41·
        27 days ago

        No. No. Absolutely not no. I don’t care if youre a Democrat in the middle of rural Kansas. Get the fuck out there and vote. This kind of defeatist shit is exactly what lets those locked in areas get away with it. A revolution has to have attendees. Show up. Vote. Even if you feel like you’re voting alone, you’re not.

          • abigscaryhobo@lemmy.world
            1·
            26 days ago

            As far as I’m concerned she hasn’t won until she’s sworn in. And that’s the approach people need to take. I agree with convincing Democrats to get their shit together, but this thought train of “I’m not even gonna vote, it’s already won/it doesn’t matter” is exactly the kind of shit that gets us in trouble. Get out there and vote. It’s your fucking responsibility as a citizen of this country. Do it.