Generational differences in climate-related beliefs, risk perceptions and emotions in the UK

It is widely believed that younger generations are more engaged with climate change than older generations. However, evidence of a gap in climate-related perceptions and concern is mixed, likely due to the inconsistent use of outcome variables. This study systematically examines generational differences across different types of climate engagement, including cognitive and affective dimensions. Using data from three nationally-representative surveys conducted in the UK in 2020, 2021, and 2022, the study shows an overall pattern of higher levels of climate-related beliefs, risk perceptions, and emotions among younger generation groups. However, the gap is larger and more consistent for climate-related emotions than for beliefs. While generational differences in climate-related emotions were found across all years, the overall gap has narrowed due to converging climate-related beliefs and risk perceptions. Generational differences are therefore primarily in emotional engagement rather than beliefs about anthropogenic climate change.

Wouter Poortinga, Christina Demski, Katharine Steentjes