The majority of today’s teens believe that business innovation is crucial to slowing or stopping global warming and climate change, according to a new study.
In fact, 73% of American youth aged between 13 and 17 think that business innovation will be required to slow or stop global warming and climate change, revealed a study by ENGINE Insights for Junior Achievement. However, only a third (33%) believe it is businesses’ responsibility; compared to “all of us as individuals” (69%). Additionally, 52% agree that businesses today act more responsibly toward the environment than they have in the past.
Around 75% of teens believe global warming and climate change are happening as a result of human activity; while far fewer (10%) say it’s not the result of human activity. A small percentage (3%) say global warming and climate change aren’t happening at all. Furthermore, 65% are worried about the impact of global warming and climate change on their future quality of life.
POSITIVE BUSINESS ROLE FOR SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
“Our survey results show that today’s young people have considerable concerns about the state of the environment; and what the future holds. But they see business innovation playing a potentially positive role,” stated Jack E Kosakowski, President and CEO of Junior Achievement USA. “As part of our effort to educate students about how business can respond to societal needs through social enterprise, we are partnering with CNBC to give teens a forum to express their concerns; and better understand how companies can help address these issues.”
In response to these concerns, Junior Achievement and Invest in You: Ready. Set. Grow., CNBC’s financial wellness and education initiative in partnership with Acorns, will host a “Summit for a More Sustainable Tomorrow” later this week; on 14 October 2021 (1pm ET). Hosted by CNBC Senior Personal Finance Correspondent Sharon Epperson, this event will give teens across America access to some of the country’s most knowledgeable experts on sustainable growth. The panellists will offer straightforward answers to help participants understand how business innovation can play a role in promoting economic growth; while preserving the environment.
CLIMATE CHANGE: TOP BUSINESS CONCERN
“Climate change is an increasingly important topic around the globe; and is top of mind for many in the business community,” said Mary Duffy, Vice President and Senior Executive Producer for Talent Development at CNBC. “We look forward to joining forces with Junior Achievement once again to offer summit attendees a constructive conversation focused on environmental issues; and provide information on how we can all do our part to help future generations thrive.”
Panellists include:
- Carolyn Aronson, Founder, CEO and Owner of It’s A 10 Haircare and Be A 10 Cosmetics
- Sarah Bloom Raskin, Former Deputy Treasury Secretary, US Department of the Treasury
- Avi Garbow, Environmental Advocate, Patagonia
- Tom Soto, Founder and Managing Partner, Diverse Communities Impact Fund
- Jack Kosakowski, President and CEO of Junior Achievement USA
Students, parents and teachers interested in participating in the virtual summit can learn more and register here.
There’s a huge divide between what C-suite executives say they are doing to advance issues like sustainability and equality, and what employees actually see on the ground. Click here to read more.
Sign up for our newsletter
