Outline the reasons why members of Gen Z choose careers connected to climate and environmental matters.

Analyze how Gen Z is depicted in the article. Focus on communicative strategies, use of language and the photograph published with the article.

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In the article ‘No point in anything else’: Gen Z members flock to climate careers by Angela Lashbrook, published in The Guardian on September 6, 2021, the author explains why many members of Gen Z choose careers connected to climate and environmental matters.

One important reason is that young people are aware of and frightened by the potentially life-threatening consequences of climate change, such as droughts, hurricanes, and wildfires. Many of them believe that climate change is an existential threat to life on Earth.

In addition, members of Gen Z feel a strong sense of responsibility because they see themselves as the last generation still able to change the planet’s fate. Therefore, they want to become part of the solution to the climate crisis and improve the relationship between humans and the environment.

Another reason is that many young people want to help disadvantaged and marginalized communities that are affected most negatively by climate change. They see environmental issues not only as ecological problems, but also as social issues.

Furthermore, Gen Z expects better funding and more support for climate-conscious jobs in the future. Programs such as the proposed Civilian Climate Corps are supposed to create direct pathways into environmental careers for young people.

The article also points out that environmental studies and sustainability have become more mainstream. As a result, students believe that environmental degrees are no longer a disadvantage on the job market, but rather an important qualification that can even be useful in fields such as business or banking.

Moreover, universities increasingly offer interdisciplinary programs that combine environmental studies with subjects like literature or philosophy. This allows students to tackle environmental problems from different perspectives.

Finally, young people anticipate many new career opportunities because sustainability and environmental awareness are becoming more important in nearly all areas of society.

In her article, Angela Lashbrook depicts Gen Z in a very positive way as a committed, climate-conscious, educated and optimistic generation that is determined to fight climate change. The author uses different communicative strategies, linguistic devices and the accompanying photograph to create this image.

First of all, Gen Z is portrayed as a highly committed and active generation. The author describes “countless members of Gen Z” who are “committing their lives to finding a solution” (ll. 8-10). The hyperbolic expression and positive connotation emphasize the enormous dedication of young people. Furthermore, the phrase “Survey after survey shows” (l. 10) refers to scientific research and makes the depiction appear credible and trustworthy. In addition, the contrast between environmentalism being a “niche interest” in the past and the growing interest in sustainability today (ll. 39-41) creates the impression of a large and growing community of like-minded young people.

Moreover, Gen Z is depicted as climate-conscious and deeply worried about the Earth’s future. The quotation “Once you learn how damaged the world’s ecosystems are, it’s not really something you can unsee” (ll. 5-6) uses a double negation to stress how strongly climate change affects young people emotionally. In addition, the article mentions that Gen Z is “overwhelmingly worried about climate change” (l. 69). The adverb “overwhelmingly” intensifies the statement and creates empathy for their concerns.

The article also presents Gen Z as self-assured, educated and ambitious. Through many personal quotes and examples, the author shows that young people are highly informed about environmental problems and possible solutions. For example, one speaker says there is “no point in pursuing a career […] in any other area” (l. 7), which underlines the determination of this generation. Another example is the description of Brooke Hoese, who combines ecology, literature and philosophy in interdisciplinary studies and works on a farm practicing regenerative agriculture (ll. 27-33). This demonstrates intellectual ambition and a modern, interdisciplinary approach. Furthermore, the metaphorical expression “clear-eyed confidence” (ll. 77-78) presents Gen Z as realistic, knowledgeable and determined.

In addition, Gen Z is portrayed as optimistic and convinced that they can make a difference. Statements such as “I cannot imagine a career that isn’t connected to […] a solution” (l. 15) stress their motivation and idealism. Facts and figures like the “20,000 undergraduate students” involved in sustainability programs (l. 37) or the “uptick in student enrollment” (l. 42) support the idea that environmental awareness is continuously growing. At the end of the article, the metaphor of an “army of young people flooding universities, job fairs, and interview rooms” (ll. 76-77) creates the image of an unstoppable movement. The enumeration “confidence in science, policy, and each other” (l. 78) additionally highlights their unity and optimism.

The accompanying photograph supports this positive depiction of Gen Z. The young protesters appear frustrated and impatient because they are shouting and holding signs with demands. At the same time, the image shows a large, peaceful and well-organized movement. The crowd consists of people of different cultural and ethnic backgrounds as well as different genders, which emphasizes diversity and inclusiveness. Their shared protest creates the impression of solidarity and determination.

Overall, the article portrays Gen Z as a united and highly motivated generation that is aware of the seriousness of climate change and willing to take responsibility for the future of the planet. Through the use of quotations, statistics, metaphors and the photograph, the author creates a very positive and hopeful image of young climate activists.

The quote “There’s a general reputation that if you do good for the world, nobody’s going to pay you to do it” (ll. 48-49) expresses the common assumption that helping society and earning a good salary do not go hand in hand. Many people believe that socially or environmentally beneficial jobs are often less profitable than careers in business, law or finance. However, financial aspects do not always play the same role in young people’s career choices.

On the one hand, financial considerations are very important for many young people. One reason for this is that they want to become financially independent and secure. Especially in today’s world, where the costs of living such as rent, food and energy are constantly increasing, a stable and well-paid job seems essential. Many young adults are worried about their future and therefore choose careers that promise financial stability.

In addition, some young people feel pressure to meet their parents’ expectations or society’s standards of success. High-paying careers are often associated with prestige and social status. Social media and entertainment also contribute to this development because they frequently present luxurious lifestyles with expensive houses, cars, holidays and designer clothing as desirable goals. As a result, many young people aspire to earn enough money to fulfill such material dreams.

On the other hand, financial aspects do not always play the most significant role in career choices. Many young people today are looking for meaning and purpose in their jobs rather than simply focusing on wealth. They want to contribute to society, help other people or protect the environment. For example, some decide to work for non-profit organizations, participate in humanitarian projects or conduct research on climate change even if these jobs are not highly paid.

Furthermore, many members of younger generations value free time and work-life balance more than previous generations. Instead of working long hours to maximize their income, they prefer jobs that allow them to pursue their interests, spend time with family and friends or focus on personal happiness. For them, quality of life is more important than material success.

Another aspect is that some young people criticize capitalism and consumerism. They reject the idea that happiness depends on money and possessions and instead prefer a minimalist lifestyle. Especially in the context of climate change, some believe that financial success loses its importance if the planet becomes uninhabitable in the future.

In conclusion, financial aspects often play an important role in young people’s career choices because economic security and social expectations influence their decisions. Nevertheless, money is not always the main priority. Many young people also care about personal fulfillment, social responsibility and environmental sustainability. In my opinion, the importance of financial aspects depends on individual values and life goals, but nowadays more and more young people seem willing to prioritize purpose and ideals over a high salary.

Ladies and gentlemen, distinguished guests, and especially my fellow young people from all around the world,

it is a great honor to speak at the UN Youth Climate Change Conference 2026 today. We have gathered here because we all share one concern: the future of our planet. Climate change, pollution and the destruction of ecosystems are no longer problems of the distant future. They are realities that already affect millions of people today. Therefore, the question is no longer whether we should act, but how urgently we are willing to do so.

In this context, young people’s environmental activism has become one of the most important forces in the fight against climate change. Young generations are often more informed about environmental destruction and sustainability than previous generations because ecological issues play a greater role in education and social media today. As a result, many young people understand that continuing the exploitation of natural resources will lead to irreversible damage.

Furthermore, young activists raise global awareness and attract media attention to environmental issues. Movements such as Fridays for Future have shown that young people can inspire millions across the world. They remind politicians and companies that the decisions made today will shape the future of coming generations. Since young people and their children will experience the long-term consequences of climate change most strongly, they are especially motivated to demand change.

Another important aspect is that young activists publicly criticize governments and corporations that continue to prioritize short-term profits over long-term sustainability. Through protests, speeches and campaigns, they put pressure on political decision makers to adopt greener policies and invest in renewable energy, environmental protection and sustainable technologies. Without this pressure from younger generations, many governments might continue to delay necessary action.

Moreover, environmental activism helps create communities of like-minded people. Young people connect across borders, cultures and religions in order to work together for a common goal. This strengthens political awareness and encourages many to become active citizens or even future politicians themselves. In this way, activism can influence not only the present, but also the future leadership of our societies.

However, some people argue that young people’s activism is not enough to stop the destruction of the Earth. They claim that individual actions and protests cannot solve a global crisis of this scale. Others believe that politicians and large companies are mainly interested in economic growth and therefore ignore environmental demands. In addition, some forms of protest, such as blocking roads or damaging artworks, are criticized because they may reduce public support for climate movements.

While these arguments contain some truth, I strongly believe that young people’s activism remains essential. Real political and social change has often started with committed citizens who refused to stay silent. Environmental activism may not solve every problem immediately, but it creates awareness, changes attitudes and increases pressure on those in power. Without activism, there would be far less discussion, fewer reforms and much less hope for progress.

At the same time, activism alone is not enough. Governments, businesses and older generations must also take responsibility. Technological innovation, international cooperation and sustainable economic systems are necessary to protect our planet effectively. Nevertheless, young people are often the driving force behind these developments because they refuse to accept inaction.

Dear delegates,

our generation has inherited enormous challenges, but we also possess enormous potential. We are connected globally, informed about environmental problems and determined to fight for a sustainable future. The voice of young people matters because it represents the interests of both present and future generations.

Therefore, we must continue to speak up, protest peacefully, educate others and demand responsibility from political leaders and corporations. Every movement begins with people who believe that change is possible.

The future of our planet is not decided tomorrow. It is decided by the actions we take today.

Thank you very much.