What does the next generation think about how we treat animals and the planet? That’s the question a new study from Faunalytics and Good Growth Co. sought to answer.
The study delves into Generation Z (also called “Gen Z” or “Gen Z-ers”) and their perspectives surrounding how the world treats animals and the environment – as well as their feelings about their own personal responsibility regarding these issues. The results: Gen Z overwhelmingly believes animal welfare and environmental issues matter and, in general, are trying to make humane choices — but they may also feel a sense of futility or feel challenged by barriers like financial considerations.
“Thankfully, our data found that most Gen Z-ers don’t have ideological barriers to protecting animals or the climate,” Lead Researcher Jack Stennett said about the study in a press release.
The study surveyed and interviewed university-educated Gen Z-ers from the US, Indonesia, Thailand, and China. The vast majority reported a desire to reduce harm to animals and the environment when making purchasing decisions. Over 90% of respondents said they care about protecting animals and the planet. They also seemed to back their values up with action — with 84% of the respondents saying they have personally made changes to their lifestyle to support their animal welfare and environmental ideals.
When it came down to which animals Gen Z seemed to care most about protecting, companion animals (like dogs and cats) and wild animals led the pack. Farmed animals did not come up as frequently — despite being subjected to horrific systemic suffering in factory farms.
Approximately one-third of Gen Z-ers felt that society was making adequate efforts to protect animals and the earth.
For those who did not feel efforts were adequate, the most commonly reported reason for feeling that society was not doing enough for animals or the environment was a “lack of public awareness” — and the most frequently reported perceived solution was “education/awareness” followed by “regulations.”
This seems to suggest that Gen Z believes that by making people aware of animal welfare and environmental issues, and passing regulations to protect animals and the planet, we could do more to keep the natural world and animals safe from harm.
Lady Freethinker applauds the researchers for bringing forth this insight and shares the next generation’s hope that we can build a more humane world for everyone by raising awareness and pushing for change.
