Gen Z backs technology for tackling climate crisis

Nearly two-thirds (61%) of Generation Z adults in Australia believe technology will play an important role in tackling the climate crisis, according to new research commissioned by Dell Technologies.

Despite being the generation expected to be most impacted by public investment decisions, just under half (48%) of Australian adults aged 18–26 indicated they are willing to accept short-term economic limitations, such as lower GDP growth, to allow policymakers to invest in sustainability strategies.

The top investment targets preferred by Australia’s Gen Z adults are sustainable energy (42%), enabling a circular economy (38%), and more sustainable public transport (29%).

Meanwhile more than half of respondents (51%) feel there is a need for better legislation and greater public and private investment in cybersecurity. Likewise, 32% want the private and public sectors to work together and hold each other accountable in the security space.

The research also found that Gen Z recognises the value of developing digital skills to ensure their employability. But 48% of respondents said their school only taught them very basic computing skills, and 10% reported receiving no education in technology and digital skills.

“Gen Z will arguably be the most impacted by public and private investment decisions taken today and will facilitate and maintain a long-term, sustainable recovery. There is an opportunity to earn the support of Gen Z for longer-term strategies that put sustainability at the core of economic growth strategies,” said Dell Technologies ANZ VP for Public Sector Katrina Lawrence.

“It’s clear that Gen Z see technology as pivotal for their future prosperity. It is now up to us — leading technology providers, governments, and the public sector — to work together and set them up for success by improving the quality and access to digital learning.”

Image credit: iStock.com/EKIN KIZILKAYA