“There is a movement that needs you”: Gen Z on the Climate Crisis

A youthquake is upon us. As climate concern continues to peak, radical conversations on how to shift the cause continue to bloom. For many of us, action is the only option. In our No Planet, No Pride issue, GAY TIMES has sought to illustrate how LGBTQ+ liberation intersects with the fight to tackle the climate crisis. Gen Z, an age category of young people between the ages of 10 to 25, are more likely to experience climate anxiety. According to Pew Research Centre, 37 per cent of younger generations are expected to be politically engaged, compared to other age groups. In contrast, older generations (Gen X and Baby Boomers) are less likely to participate in conversations around climate change, attend rallies, or donate to the cause. It’s a data-proven

For those of us that have inherited the state of the planet, like myself, the climate emergency remains a number one priority. Focusing on LGBTQ+ rights is commendable, but without a planet, there is no togetherness or community to advocate for. The negative impacts of climate change ushers in a fallout that does not discriminate; it affects everyone. However, with enough resilience and political campaigning, our dire situation can be salvaged for the better. We spoke to four LGBTQ+ Gen Z activists (Fi Quekett, Dawood Qureshi, Jasneet Samrai, and Somriddho Dasgupta) to find out how their generation is navigating today’s climate reality.