Image

Ten Reasons Why Millennials Believe in Climate Alarmism

Back in 2012, The Australian published an article warning that by 2020 there would be hardly any more snow in Australia due to the catastrophic effects of climate change. According to Professor Katherine Pickering, from the Griffith School of Environment: Advertisement We’ve predicted by 2020 to lose something like 60 percent of the snow cover of the Australian Alps. Well, that sure didn’t age well. The increase in climate alarmism seems to mimic a growth in the number of younger generation protestors, with the 16-year-old Greta Thunberg leading from the front. Following on from this, climate strikes are growing in……

Back in 2012, The Australian published an article warning that by 2020 there would be hardly any more snow in Australia due to the catastrophic effects of climate change. According to Professor Katherine Pickering, from the Griffith School of Environment:

We’ve predicted by 2020 to lose something like 60 percent of the snow cover of the Australian Alps.

Well, that sure didn’t age well.

The increase in climate alarmism seems to mimic a growth in the number of younger generation protestors, with the 16-year-old Greta Thunberg leading from the front. Following on from this, climate strikes are growing in number and popularity, with the most recent protest amassing thousands of adolescents.

As an 18-year-old high school graduate myself, I empathise with the inclination of many in my generation to be alarmed about such environmental concerns. In fact, I was very much in the same boat earlier this year.

What are some of the reasons why so many young people are drawn to this polarising political issue?

1. A desire for something greater

You don’t understand yourself really as an individual, you understand yourself as part of something bigger’. Khaled Hosseini, The Kite Runner

People are often psychologically attracted to committing to something greater than themselves. This forms the foundation for communities, military service, charity work and religious values etc. However, with the rise of climate alarmism, it seems that my generation are drawn to towards nothing less than ‘saving the world’. As Hosseini observes, we all search for something greater to form our identity.

2. A sense of legacy

If you would not be forgotten as soon as you are dead, either write something worth reading or do something worth writing’. Benjamin Franklin

There is probably nothing more important than the legacy and memory that one leaves behind. Young people today, in particular, are faced with the existential fear that such a prospect may not be possible. Whether or not these alarmist predictions are true, a sense of legacy intertwines activist rhetoric and underlying dogma.

3. A spirit of fear

The most powerful motivator of all, is fear’. Robert Wilson

If you were told that the world was ending in seventy years—give or take—would that not rightly invoke an emotional response? Well, what we’re seeing today is an emotionally driven wave of environmental hysteria, closely mimicking Arthur Miller’s, The Crucible. Because we fear the most what we cannot see.

4. A search for virtue

The person who talks most of his own virtue is often the least virtuous’. Jawaharial Nehru

Across the ages, nothing seems more appealing than being validated by those around you. Greta Thunberg’s recent ‘rebuke’ to the United Nations—and especially the thunderous applause and validation which followed—taps into the deeper desire for youth around the world to similarly find such praise. As Nehru rightly observes, we’re all filled with an earnest longing to be seen as virtuous.

5. A desire for control

‘Control desire: refers to a subject of circumstance or relationship that an individual may want to exert control over’. Wikipedia

The need for control in an ever-present prediction of apocalyptic chaos seems to be the pervading ‘atmosphere’ for young people today. Without a God or higher power to submit to, human beings’ greatest desire is to be in control of their own life and destiny. Such a desire to control one’s own world may well be fuelling the climate alarmism.

6. A rise in self-esteem dogma

There is a real danger in believing it when people use the word ‘Genius’, and it’s even more dangerous when we let hubris tell ourselves we are’. Ryan Holiday ‘Ego is the Enemy’

Both in public and private schools throughout Australia, students are pushing for academic excellence. This feeds the constant self-esteem rhetoric that ‘you can do anything’ and ‘you can change the world’ which youth today have been raised upon. This is quintessential to youth protest and climate alarmism that we see today in our younger generation.

7. An anti-establishment psyche

Disobedience, in the eyes of anyone who has read history, is man’s original virtue’. Oscar Wilde

Down through the ages, youth have been stereotyped and often fulfil the ‘anti-establishment’ role in society. Statistics show that the majority of youth are of a progressive political inclination. This changes overtime, as age brings responsibility, and breeds conservative values as the following graph of the recent UK election demonstrates:

8. The progressive virtue of victimhood

Claiming to be a victim gives people a perverse authority. Subjective experience becomes key… as victim status can buy special privileges’. Claire fox

It seems that victimhood is the new virtue. Nothing achieves more power, like victimhood. This has now become the ‘go-to’ emotional heartstring of the alarmist movement, as Thunberg refrains, “You have stolen my future”. Not bad for someone who was Time magazines, Person of the Year for 2019!

9. A quasi-religious faith

‘Animism is the religious belief that objects, places and creatures all possess a distinct spiritual essence.’  Oxford dictionary  

In today’s zeitgeist, the UN debates whether “Mother Earth” deserves human rights. In Kyrgyzstan, the parliament sacrificed seven sheep to dispel evil spirits, and it is estimated 40% of the world holds to some form of animistic belief. Closer to home, due to the integration of aboriginal culture and dream time spirituality, ‘Land’ has become an increasingly valued concept in modern society, to which we now seem to attribute spiritual worth. It seems such ethereal concepts, may be fuelling a rise in youth climate alarmism.

10. A lack of hope beyond his world

The hope of the righteous brings joy, but the expectation of the wicked will perish’. Proverbs 10:28

Of greatest concern, is the rising tides of depression and ennui within our youth. Without a Biblical worldview, climate change offers no hope beyond the catastrophe that is to come. This lack of hope present in today’s western culture is a large factor in youth searching for a better future.

While I empathise with such a desire to be alarmed, what made the difference for me was being more widely informed and understanding the difficulty to accurately predict both the climate and its impacts. Predictions that fall short even from a few years ago like here, here and here reaffirm our inability to foresee in years to come, just how our earth will react.

Moreover, understanding Australia’s past climate of bushfires and temperature and our recent cooling period, made me more sympathetic to a subdued alarmist perspective. It is such a desire to learn, to be informed and to understand both the political and scientific influences, that our younger generation should latch onto. For my greatest fear, would be a descent into an emotionally driven echo chamber of hysteria and irrationality.

Special Request:

For nearly eight years, we've highlighted issues ignored by mainstream media and resisted globalist ideologies eroding Western civilization. We've done this joyfully, without paywalls, despite personal costs to our team. Your support has kept us going, but operating costs exceed donations, forcing us to use ads. We’d love to ditch them, so we’re asking for your help. If you value our work, please consider supporting us via Stripe or PayPal. Every bit helps us keep fighting for our kids’ future. Thank you!

What's New?

Use the blue arrows at the bottom to scroll through the latest.
John MacArthur Enters Glory

John MacArthur Enters Glory

"This evening, his faith became sight."
By
by Staff WriterJul 15, 2025
Trump DOJ Dismisses Charges Against Doctor Who Defied Democrat COVID Mandates

Trump DOJ Dismisses Charges Against Doctor Who Defied Democrat COVID Mandates

"Dr. Moore gave his patients a choice when the federal government refused to do so."
By
by Rod LampardJul 15, 2025
John MacArthur Hospitalized, Nearing Death

John MacArthur Hospitalized, Nearing Death

"A statement from the church on Sunday indicated that the 86-year-old may soon be 'in the presence of the Lord.'"
By
by Staff WriterJul 14, 2025
Renewed Calls for ‘Castle Law’ in Australia: You Break In, You Forfeit Your Rights

Renewed Calls for ‘Castle Law’ in Australia: You Break In, You Forfeit Your Rights

"Victims do not feel safe in their own homes knowing that offenders have more rights than occupants."
By
by Staff WriterJul 13, 2025
Europe Witnesses Surge in Anti-Christian Violence

Europe Witnesses Surge in Anti-Christian Violence

"A key report has revealed a sharp rise in crimes targeting Christians, documenting 2,444 incidents across 35 countries and highlighting escalating hostility against Christian communities."
By
by Staff WriterJul 12, 2025
Melbourne Royal Show Bans Annual Christian Exhibit, Sparking Religious Freedom Debate

Melbourne Royal Show Bans Annual Christian Exhibit, Sparking Religious Freedom Debate

“This is not just about one booth — it’s about ensuring that all Australians have the right to peacefully express their faith in public venues.”
By
by Rod LampardJul 11, 2025
We Don’t Need a “Hate Registry” Run by People Who Think the Bible Is “Hate”

We Don’t Need a “Hate Registry” Run by People Who Think the Bible Is “Hate”

"The concern isn’t whether people should have the 'freedom to hate their enemies.' The concern is that the same government already labelling basic Christian doctrine as 'hate' is now building a system to monitor, catalogue, and punish those guilty of heresy."
By
by Ben DavisJul 11, 2025
Race-Based “Antisemitism” Laws May Do More Harm Than Good

Race-Based “Antisemitism” Laws May Do More Harm Than Good

"Why not simply deport any foreigner who commits a crime against any Australian, regardless of their race? Why introduce a race-specific policy when the principle of equal protection under the law should be the standard in a free and just society?"
By
by Staff WriterJul 10, 2025

Image

Support

If you value our work and would like to support us, you can do so by visiting our support page. Can’t find what you’re looking for? Visit our search page.

Copyright © 2025, Caldron Pool

Permissions

Everything published at Caldron Pool is protected by copyright and cannot be used and/or duplicated without prior written permission. Links and excerpts with full attribution are permitted. Published articles represent the opinions of the author and may not reflect the views of all contributors at Caldron Pool.

Caldron Pool does not condone the use of violence, threats, or intimidation for political or religious purposes. We strongly advocate for peaceful, respectful, and free communication and open debate without fear of reprisal or punishment.