By. George P. Nassos
According to the U.S. Geological Survey and other scientific authorities the earth is about 4.5 billion years old, but humans have been here either 200,000 years or 6,500 years, depending on the information source. Life during those early years was environmentally great since there was no concern about global warming, no concern about the over-consumption of the natural resources, no shortage of water, slow population growth, and there was very little waste. People back then didn’t even think of the environment as it wasn’t any problem and not a mental issue. They just took it for granted.
Fast forward to today and the environment has become a major issue for everyone. Global warming, now known as climate change, has become a major issue throughout the world. We are experiencing many issues resulting from the increase in global temperatures. A few examples are droughts, more destructive hurricanes, sea level rise, increase in ocean acidification, and decline in vegetation growth. Another major problem that is not discussed very much in the media is the over-consumption of our natural resources. This refers to the fruit and vegetables we eat, trees, cotton, et al. We are currently consuming the equivalent of 1.7 earths, and it is getting worse every year. Although water covers 71% of the earth’s surface, the quantity of fresh water available for human consumption is minimal and decreases while the population continues to increase.
Are you personally concerned about the future of the environment? If you are a member of the Silent Generation (born 1928-1945) or the Baby Boomer Generation (born 1946-1964), your concern is probably minimal. However, people of the Generation X (born 1965-1980), the Millennials (born 1981-1996), and particularly the Gen Z (born 1997-2012) are becoming more and more concerned about the environment.
A recent study by The Lancet, a British medical journal, confirmed that children and young adults are showing anxiety about climate change in the future. The study surveyed 10,000 children and young people (aged 16–25 years) in ten countries (Australia, Brazil, Finland, France, India, Nigeria, Philippines, Portugal, the UK, and the USA; 1,000 participants per country). Of all the respondents, 59% were very or extremely worried about the environment and 84% were at least moderately worried. More than 45% of respondents said their feelings about climate change negatively affected their daily life and functioning. In addition, 75% said that they think the future is frightening and 83% said that they think people have failed to take care of the planet.
Another example of how young people think about the future on this planet is an article in the February 9, 2025 issue of the Chicago Tribune. The author said, “I am only 22 years old. I should feel hopeful about the future. The idea of having children one day should bring me joy. Instead, I fear for the world they will inherit. As I watch greedy companies ravage our earth, I can’t ignore the mounting crises — rising temperatures, extreme weather, mass displacement and escalating political instability. Climate change is no longer a distant threat; it is happening now, threatening lives, livelihoods and ecosystems. The most vulnerable communities with the fewest resources are already suffering. No amount of money can shield you from natural disasters forever.”
The Lancet study and the Chicago Tribune article are small examples of the concerns of young people. We also need to think about even younger people and those not yet brought into this world. We must do whatever we can to minimize the destruction of the environment. If we are wrong and the environment does not degrade much further, we can be thankful and move on. If we do nothing and the environment continues to degrade, the world population will face both physical and mental stress. Let’s do whatever we can despite the pending opposition of the current U.S. administration.