Gen Z's Sustainability Fatigue: A Post-COVID Reality Check

A Gen Z writer argues that sustainability has become performative for their generation, citing post-COVID fatigue, economic precarity, and climate doomism. Fridays for Future protests in Germany dropped from 1.4 million (2019) to 130,000 (2025). The DAK Health Report 2025 shows 37% of 18-24-year-olds report depressive symptoms. Fast fashion continues to grow at 10.7% annually, projected to reach $436.5 billion by 2035. The writer notes that while Gen Z still values sustainability in principle, they are unwilling to pay more or change habits, blaming systemic inaction and personal survival priorities. The article calls for highlighting positive developments like The Ocean Cleanup and the EU's 2026 crackdown on greenwashing.