Is it surprising that Gen Z is giving up on higher education & Thred on the ground at the first Africa Climate Summit… this week in social change
Thred Media
An award-winning Gen Z-led consultancy agency helping brands and agencies to connect with today's youth.
Three… two… one, you’re back in the room. Here’s your social change roundup.
Like the weather round these parts, we’ve a bunch of stories hot off the press for week two of September. Grab an ice frap and enjoy.
Our collective desire for an ice cool beer had us thinking about ‘beer goggles’, a phenomenon researchers claim doesn’t actually exist. Elsewhere, our social trends mogul Sofia detailed an increasingly popular Gen Z perspective-shift called ‘burnt toast theory’, Jess unpacked the controversy surrounding dubious celebrity charities, and Anyaa laid bare Antarctica’s rarely discussed pollution crisis.
Whether you’re looking for a pick-me-up – like EU greenwashing tactics getting the boot – or to dwell in existential dread – perhaps by hearing that the G20 poured $1trn into fossil fuel subsidies in 2022 – we’ve got you covered.
Without further ado though, how’s about we get into the two feature stories of the week.
First up, Jess has been looking into the palpable drop-off in Gen Zers seeking further education after high school. Is it really that surprising though, all things considered?
Imagine you’ve just graduated from university, one of the biggest accomplishments of your life so far.
Now drowning in financial debt, you’ve never been more motivated to get a job. Yet, every prospective job interviewer only wants to hear about your previous work experience.
Without it, they say, you’ll have to settle for an entry-level position offering a meagre salary or – even worse – an unpaid internship.
Over half of Gen Z?admit not trusting?that college or university will adequately train them for the careers that?most interest them, which are jobs in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), business, and health-related sectors.
For this reason, 56 percent of young people are placing a higher focus on developing technical skills that will carry them throughout every stage of their careers. Many are doing this by instead enrolling in 2–12-month training programs and apprenticeships.
Can more Gen Zers be lured back? Get Jess’ personal take (and a bunch of surprising stats) on Thred.com.
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Next up, our talented remote writer hailing from Kenya, Derrick, has personally attended the Africa Climate Conference 2023 to give us the T on all things sustainability from the continent.
A significant gathering of leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders, unfolded for 3 days against the backdrop of pressing environmental challenges. Governments, organisations, and heads of African states deliberated on crucial resolutions to address climate change, carbon credits, and various environmental issues, amid a backdrop of criticism from young activists.
During President Ruto’s speech, he argued that Africa’s carbon credit should be worth $50 billion by 2030.
Additionally, Ruto unveiled the ‘Nairobi Declaration’ at the conclusion of the summit. The document is to serve as Africa’s position on climate change and explain how it intends to tackle present challenges. Details were scarce, but the document is expected to be read at COP28 this December.
At the event, private investors announced Africa would secure a $23 billion kitty that will go toward projects including solar microgrids, carbon markets, and reforestation.
While, in-part, the summit witnessed significant resolutions and commitments, critiques from activists underscore the imperative for heightened ambition, inclusivity, and accountability in the battle against climate change.
We’ll see if this declaration is more jargon than action in December. In the meantime, get the full story here.
Don't forget to keep a tab open on?Thred.com?for more from our global Gen Z writing team every single day. If you want more updates and planet-positive ways to take action, sign up for our?email newsletter, and check out our youth empowerment opportunities through our?Change Maker Network?page.
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