Two Faces of Gen Z in Responding to Climate Change

Generation Z is often praised as a highly environmentally conscious generation, especially regarding climate change. Yet, their responses vary significantly across regions, particularly when comparing Indonesian youth with their counterparts in more developed nations. The contrast reveals a disparity not just in concern, but in understanding and action.

This contrast became evident in mid-February 2025, through two pieces of research. The first was from YouGov, as highlighted in the Lingkar Bumi article “Gen Z Concerned About Environmental Impact of Holidays.” It showed that nearly half of Gen Z respondents abroad are aware of how their travel choices affect the environment and local communities. Many have even begun reducing their use of air travel due to concerns about carbon emissions.

On the other hand, Gen Z in Jakarta still shows a gap in deeper comprehension of climate change issues. According to a recent survey by Climate Ranger Jakarta involving 382 respondents, while most had heard of “climate change,” 37.7% still believed it is solely caused by natural cycles. This indicates that although awareness is high, scientific understanding—particularly the role of human activity—remains lacking.

Concern vs. Concrete Action

One key difference is how concern translates into action. Abroad, many Gen Z individuals take real steps toward sustainability: choosing eco-friendly transport, supporting ethical brands, and joining climate movements.

In contrast, many in Jakarta feel their engagement is merely symbolic. The same Climate Ranger survey found that 62.4% of Gen Z respondents felt their involvement in climate issues was tokenistic, lacking real influence over decision-making.

“More than 50 percent still feel it’s just tokenism,” said Dwi Tamara, Head of Research at Climate Ranger, in an Instagram discussion hosted by Mongabay Indonesia on February 20, 2025.

This reflects structural barriers that limit young people’s ability to take meaningful climate action on a larger scale.

Dwi emphasized the importance of greater youth involvement in policymaking and implementation. “If they’re excluded, they might become indifferent in the future,” she warned.

She also noted that Gen Z wants climate initiatives to be community-focused—such as tree planting or mangrove restoration—but also accessible, affordable, and rewarding. Certification for participation, useful for resumes or portfolios, was also a strong preference.

The Road Ahead for Indonesia’s Environmental Movement

While Indonesian Gen Z still struggles to turn awareness into action, there is real potential for progress. With increasing access to information via social media and growing community-based environmental movements, both understanding and activism can evolve.

More meaningful support from the government and private sector could also empower Gen Z to become a more active force in climate advocacy. With stronger collaboration between policymakers, communities, and individuals, Indonesia has the potential to foster a more engaged and impactful generation of climate leaders. (Sulung Prasetyo)