Poll Reveals Youth Concerned about Climate Change, Social Justice

U.S. residents age 15 to 29 believe higher education, government can make a difference

A groundbreaking nationwide survey conducted by the Institute for Sustainability & Social Justice (ISSJ) at Sacred Heart University, in collaboration with GreatBlue Research, reveals deep concern among young Americans about climate change, sustainability and social justice, along with a strong sense of responsibility and a call for institutional leadership, especially from higher education and government. 

The study surveyed U.S. residents aged 15 to 29 to better understand youth perceptions of climate anxiety, institutional trust and their expectations of government and universities. The findings show a generation emotionally engaged, valuing practical and personal skills to act and expecting higher education to respond. 

“What we are seeing is a generation that’s both anxious and desiring effective engagement,” said Kirk Bartholomew, director of the ISSJ. “They’re deeply concerned and they’re demanding tools, knowledge and institutional support to take meaningful action.” 

Top Three Themes from the Survey 

Eco-Anxiety Is Widespread and Rising 

Nearly 2 in 3 (63%) youth report experiencing “eco-anxiety”—a level of psychological distress about climate change that impacts their daily lives—up from 55% in the 2024 ISSJ Sacred Heart University poll. Seven in 10 (70%) also report being worried about climate change.  

This concern transcends demographics: more than 60% of Black, Hispanic and white youth report eco-anxiety, and among Republicans and conservatives, over 60% say they also experience “eco-anxiety.” 

“Young people aren’t just worried—they’re overwhelmed,” said Marylena Mantas-Kourounis, assistant professor of political science & global affairs. “America’s youth have come of age at a time of hyper partisanship. While polarization exists, the results of our poll suggest that on matters of social justice and sustainability, America’s youth are not as divided along partisan lines as one might guess.” 

Support for Higher Education as a Catalyst for Change 

Approximately 3 in 4 respondents believe colleges and universities should not only teach about sustainability and social justice (75%) but also teach the skills to act (74%). 

Youth across demographics widely value inner capacities, such as self-awareness, integrity and systems thinking, in addition to action-oriented skills, such as teamwork and communication, as important for taking effective action. Over 79% also support higher education’s role in equipping students with these practical and personal abilities. 

“This is a clear call to action for universities,” said Todd Matthews, associate professor and chair, 
department of sociology, criminology & criminal justice. “Our students want more than lectures—they want us to help them become changemakers.” 

High Responsibility, Confidence—And Belief in Collective Power 

While 7 in 10 (71%) of youth respondents feel personally responsible to address sustainability and social justice, a slightly lower number feel confident in their ability to take effective action (69%), and over 3 in 4 believe that acting collectively can be effective (78%).

Youth trust institutions like colleges, nonprofits and local governments more than corporations or religious institutions. Higher education was rated as the most trusted sector (67%) and among the top five institutions that youth believe should lead on these issues. 

“It has become almost conventional wisdom to characterize Generation Z as disengaged and apathetic,” said Brooke Suter, co-author and sustainability expert. “The results of our poll clearly challenge this misplaced generalization. At least on matters related to sustainability and social justice, America’s youth certainly care and feel a responsibility to engage.”  

Other Noteworthy Findings 

Lack of Highly Trusted Voices: Overall, youth have a low level of “high trust” regarding sources of information on sustainability and social justice. The most trusted sources were family (39%) and friends (33%). Higher education was the most trusted institutional source (29%). 
 
Civic and Political Expectations: Youth support multi-faceted government action—including regulation, public education, corporate accountability and innovation. Female and younger respondents were especially supportive of these roles. 
 
Expression and Censorship: Over half of respondents say they at least occasionally hold back from sharing views on sustainability and social justice, citing fear of judgment or offending others. Despite this, 80% agree it’s important to belong to communities where they can speak openly and feel safe, revealing a gap that needs attention. 

Full Poll Report

About the Survey 

The poll was conducted between March 26 and April 2, 2025. Participants were a stratified and representative sample of 1,500 U.S. youth ages 15–29. Full methodology, including margins of error and subgroup analysis, is supplied at the end of the report.