GHD CROSSROADS research reveals stark generational divide: Gen Z optimistic about UK's future, while Boomers and Gen X express doubts

29 October 2024, London, UK – New research from global professional services company GHD reveals a stark contrast between younger and older generations in the UK regarding their levels of optimism about the future, highlighting a need to explore alternative leadership models and better engage today’s youth in shaping national and regional infrastructure decisions.

GHD’s CROSSROADS intergenerational equity research was based on a comprehensive survey conducted across ten countries: the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, Chile, New Zealand, the Philippines, Qatar, Singapore, the United Arab Emirates, and the United States. A total of 13,000 adults, sampled to be representative of age, gender, and region in these countries, participated in the survey in mid-May 2024.

The research arrives at a pivotal moment for the UK, following the election of a new Labour government after 14 years in opposition. As an array of new policies is introduced at pace, the decisions made today are set to shape the future of Britain.
 
In the UK, when asked to consider whether the decisions being made by current leaders would leave their communities in a better or worse state 30 years from now, Gen Z displayed clear optimism, with a net positive outlook of +21%, believing their community’s future would be much better or a little better. In contrast, Gen X had a net negative outlook of -32%, while Baby Boomers were even more pessimistic, with a net negative outlook of -46%.

GHD EMEA CEO, Simon Light, commented on the findings. “While recent research shows that households have become increasingly pessimistic about the country’s economic outlook over the past year and into the future, the optimism displayed by our youth in our CROSSROADS research should not be overlooked. We should ensure the incorporation of younger and more diverse voices into decision-making processes within both the public and private sectors to unlock forward-thinking policies that deliver lasting benefits and address the needs of future generations.”

He added, “This generation also represents our future leaders, with some already emerging as influential voices in local and global contexts. Failing to include them in decision-making and giving them a sense of ownership would be a missed opportunity. The period following the Autumn Budget presents an opportunity for politicians to take stock and assess public reception, and we must actively seek ways to engage the younger generation.”

CROSSROADS also reveals that Millennials, Gen X, and Baby Boomers in the UK see building a sustainable economy – focused on reducing, reusing, repairing, recycling, recovering, and disposing sustainably – as the country’s most pressing issue. This contrasts with Gen Z, whose top priority is affordable housing. Notably, 78% of Gen Z respondents agree that there is a need for more varied and affordable housing options, and they are equally open to living in communities with a mix of social and traditional, private owned housing.

Despite 81% of UK all respondents agreeing that the government needs to do more to motivate and incentivise people to act on climate change, only 45% believe they have personally experienced its effects, such as extreme weather events. This is significantly lower than the global average of 64%.

“What we’re seeing is a divergence in priorities between Gen Z and older generations,” Light noted. “The extreme impact of rapid inflation and cost-of-living pressures is undoubtedly affecting our younger generation the most. Ensuring their voices are heard is essential in our pursuit of a future that is fit for all.”

“The UK appears to have been more fortunate compared to other countries in terms of not yet experiencing the full effects of climate change,” Light said. “However, with extreme weather events on the rise, including extreme heat and flooding, these impacts could be felt much more intensely in the near future. In fact, 2023 was recorded as the second warmest year in the UK, following only 2022.The gap between the sentiment that more action is needed and the actual effects felt should not slow our efforts to future-proof critical infrastructure.”

CROSSROADS is a thought-provoking exploration of intergenerational equity through an infrastructure lens. By overlaying community sentiment with GHD’s technical insights, the report is intended to spark an informed discussion of what can be done today to support the delivery of fair and fit-for-purpose infrastructure for tomorrow.

About GHD

GHD is a leading professional services company operating in the global markets of water, energy and resources, environment, property and buildings, and transportation. Committed to a vision to make water, energy, and communities sustainable for generations to come, GHD delivers advisory, digital, engineering, architecture, environmental and construction solutions to public and private sector clients. Established in 1928 and privately owned by its people, GHD’s network of 12,000+ professionals is connected across 160 offices located on five continents.