Nidhi ChimnaniDirector, Research & Insights, MSLGROUP

(and a Millennial)

@nidhichimnani

How Millennials feel about climate change

And what we want to do about it.

In October and November 2015, we engaged with a community of 270 Millennials to understand their views on climate change.

18-30 year olds

10+ countries

42% younger Millennials (18-25 year olds)

60% female

at www.bethechance.com

The circles indicate the number of responses from these countries.

What emotion do Millennials feel when they think about climate change?

Powerless HopefulSadFrustratedScared

Millennials feel….

Worried

Anxious

ConcernedAlarmed

Fretful Sense of Angst

Anguished

Distressed

Nervous

Apprehensive

Restless

Confused

Uncertain

Millennials know things cannot

continue as is – we must change.

But is it possible? What will the future bring?

Afraid

Terrified

HorrifiedSCARED

AngryFRUSTRATEDDisappointed Contemptuous

DisgustedSickened

Dissatisfied

Tired

AnnoyedHeadache-y

Shock

Surprise

Disbelief Millennials have

raised their expectations. They

want businesses to transform their

processes and deliver real

change.

- Elena, 19, UK

[I’m] shocked that the things most of us don't even think about can have such a huge impact half way round the world!

UK

- Lauren, 24, United States

Businesses should be held responsible for the products they are making and what happens after the products are used (and how they are disposed). US

- Sara, 24, Denmark

It’s so easy to do something, so why on earth do politicians and companies have to make it so hard?

Denmark

Millennials are confronted by the scale of problem,

and the complexity of engaging all

actors.The result is a deep sense of

pessimism.

POWERLESSHelpless

Resigned ParalyzedDefeated

Desolate

Sense of Urgency

DesperationPanic

Hopeless

Despaired

Millennials also insist on

collaboration between these key actors – especially

Business and Government.

It’s no wonder that Millennials say Government, Society and Business are together most responsible for change.

Millennials are slowly

beginning to realize their

habits are part of the

problem too.

Upset

Depressed

Devastated

HeartbreakAshamed

Embarrassed

UncomfortableDisoriented

Unpleasant

Negative

Terrible

GuiltySAD

52% 52% Millennials hold themselves co-responsible for implementing solutions.

Winnie, 22, Taiwan

I feel sad. I am an environmentalist, I want to slow down climate change personally. Taiwan

A.Y., 30, Malaysia

We need to save Earth for the next generations. We cannot live happily when seeing our own house are being burnt. Anxiety rises and people are sick both emotionally and in bodies.I do not want to feel sick anymore. Malaysia

Shina, 25, China

Everybody is responsible for climate change. We can do every little thing to change the situation and we have to!

Companies can push people and I think we need leverage this to effect more people to take action.

China

Here’s how Millennials want businesses to address climate change.

find out about greener and

cleaner products

recycle find out about sustainability

initiatives

get involved

100%MAKE IT EASIER FOR ME TO...

operate(upgrade processes

and the way you work)

100%

innovate(give me greener

products)

invest(invest in clean

solutions and startups)

package products

(use eco-friendly materials)

donate(support more

causes)

CHANGE THE WAY YOU...

Here’s how Millennials want businesses to address climate change.

governments

100%

better suppliers

organizations  people like me

charities religious organizations

 other

PARTNER WITH...

Here’s how Millennials want businesses to address climate change.

Some Millennials feel hopeful about climate change – they see it as an

opportunity for global

collaboration.

HopeAct like one planet

OpportunityChange

ExcitedPositive

Climate change is the greatest threat to civilized human culture and progress.

On the other hand, it is the greatest potential for innovation, collaboration and the establishment of a real global community.

Asger, 30, Denmark

Denmark

If you were President or Prime Minister of your country…

We asked Millennials what they would do if we offered them some power.

If you had $100 million to address climate change…

Power

Money Authority

If Millennials had $100 million to address climate change, they would invest in…

RENEWABLE ENERGY

Solar & wind energySolar infrastructure

INNOVATIONResearch

R&D Desalination

FOOD SECURITYSustainable farming

Food supplyMicro-farming

REPAIRRe-forestation

EDUCATIONAwareness

If Millennials were Head of State of their country, they would introduce…

eco-mindset eco-system eco-nomy1 2 3

3Recommendations for Business

1. The fight against climate change should be everyone’s fight

• Make it relevant to everyone’s daily lives.If they know they can make a difference, they will.

• Inspire people to innovate new ideas and technologies.Individual actions – around aspects like clean energy, sustainable agriculture, R&D – will lead to a significant collective response.

2. The tipping point for Sustainable Business is now

• It’s time for transformation.With increasing pressure from Millennials, and in fact all stakeholders, businesses must find new ways to operate.

• A new era of performance with purpose. There is a ‘Race to the Top’ – this will be amplified by early actors and the UN climate change conference.

www.bit.ly/ChanceforChange

3. Businesses,Millennials are your best chance for change.

• We are acting anyway. With businesses, or on our own.

• We are stronger together. Millennials bring the passion, the vision, the creativity. Businesses bring stability, scale and structure. Both are crucial for success.

Thank you!