Gen Z Is Getting Realistic About Energy

The kids are growing out of their Greta Thunberg era.

For years, the youth led the climate conversation — organizing school walkouts, sharing colorful infographics, and heckling Democratic lawmakers from the left. The tone was carried by urgency and moral judgement: “We have 12 years left.” Anything less than net zero emissions was seen as a betrayal.

But now, as Gen Zers and younger millennials enter full-fledged adulthood — paying rent, dealing with utility bills, job-hunting and even starting families — they are souring on climate alarmism. Affordability concerns are giving way to a sense of realism about energy and the environment, as abstract climate goals and financially impractical policies fall by the wayside.

Despite activist narratives, a majority of voters — including over half of Gen Z and millennials — support the use of fossil fuels and even nuclear energy. While true preservation still ranks as their top environmental priority, economic concerns with employment, growth and prices far outweigh the lofty goal of “carbon neutrality.” 

Marches and memes were free. Heating your apartment or filling up the car with gas isn’t. Most Gen Z and millennial voters simply can't afford solar panels or electric vehicles. Purity politics and utopianism take a backseat to pocketbook issues. 

Dhaaruni Sreenivas, a young millennial consultant and Democrat, agrees the issue is tied to affordability. “My energy bill was crazy high, and now I don’t turn the lights on,” she says. “Luckily it’s summer, and Seattle is far enough north that it's bright until 9:30 pm.” 

The 30-year-old Washingtonian supports the use of nuclear energy and is currently lukewarm on fossil fuels. “The reason fossil fuels are so popular is because the alternatives aren’t as efficient or powerful,” she explains while expressing concern with fossil fuels being “not environmentally sound.”

Currently, electric grids infrastructure and storage batteries leave solar or wind alternatives largely unreliable. Weather and geographic factors limit the ability to leverage power from sunlight or the air, while battery technology is not advanced enough to align with the idealistic pursuit of abandoning all gas and coal.

The realities of technological progress and economics hamstring those who would otherwise be advocates of environmental protection in a bind. Moving off fossil fuels is infeasible, unrealistic and simply not popular. How will we ensure clean air and water for the next generation of Americans? Where will the youth go from here?

Political scientist and political commentator Ruy Teixeira suggests the most popular approach is ‘an “all-of-the above” strategy that provides abundant and cheap energy from multiple sources including oil and gas to renewables to advanced nuclear power.’ 

Many, like Sreenivas, may be hesitant to openly endorse the use of fossil fuels alongside solar and wind — but a passive concession is no different than wholehearted support when it comes to voting patterns, messaging and cultural attitudes. Sure, there still is no planet B (Elon Musk disagrees). But “abundance” and affordability have become all the rage. 

It’s time for environmental advocates to pivot. Reliability and cost-effectiveness are the key priorities in the eyes of everyday consumers, even their Gen Z and millennial peers. And whether it's semiconductors for solar panels, geothermal cooling towers or gas lines, energy innovation — driven by economic demands — will determine the future.

Luckily for them, better technology also results in reducing pollutant smog or oil spills. Effective containment of burning and processing fumes, cleaner extraction of resources from the Earth, and safer distribution of energy via transportation or pipelines depend on the advancement of engineering and science. Environmental challenges result from shortcomings of existing technology, not intentional negligence by those who also breathe air and drink tap water.

As energy businesses move to meet the demands of their customers, activists will need to focus their attention on research, entrepreneurship and development. Creating a greener, healthier future for Gen Z and millennials will ultimately depend on partnership with the private sector. 

The moment is ripe for building startups and vibe coding solutions. And while this may be harder than chanting in the streets, it’s the work that needs to be done. 

Time will tell if (and which) young Americans rise to the occasion or sulk on their Instagram stories. History is written by those who act. 

Sam Raus is the David Boaz Resident Writing Fellow at Young Voices, a political analyst and public relations professional. Follow him on X: @SamRaus1