Gen X: The Pollution Generation?

While it is easy to blame older generations for the current climate crisis, the reality is that every generation has contributed to the problem in some way. Generation X, born between 1965 and 1979, has been associated with the consumption of single-use plastics, overseas holidays, and a taste for exotic fruits and vegetables. However, they are also the generation that came of age during the founding of the modern environmental movement, with many celebrating the first Earth Day in 1970. As Generation X ages, they are increasingly engaging in volunteer work and environmental activism, passing the baton to younger generations like Millennials and Generation Z, who are pushing for policies and lifestyle changes to combat climate change.

GenX chemical pollution in North Carolina

Generation X, born between 1965 and 1979, is often associated with environmental activism and a commitment to protecting the planet. However, the generation has also been criticized for their perceived inaction in addressing pressing environmental issues, particularly climate change. The accusation of generational inaction is not unique to Generation X, as similar criticisms have been leveled against the Silent Generation and Baby Boomers.

Now, regarding GenX chemical pollution in North Carolina, it refers to the contamination of the Cape Fear River and the subsequent presence of GenX in the drinking water of downstream communities. GenX is a human-made chemical compound classified as a per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS). PFAS are widely used in commercial products, including food packaging, non-stick coatings, and firefighting foam.

In June 2017, it was discovered that the Cape Fear River, a source of drinking water for many North Carolina communities, was contaminated with GenX. The source of the chemical was identified as the Chemours facility in Fayetteville, a DuPont spinoff company. This contamination raised significant concerns among residents and prompted investigations into the potential health risks associated with GenX exposure.

Studies have found associations between exposure to certain PFAS chemicals and various health issues, including increased cholesterol levels, thyroid and liver disease, and developmental effects. In response to the contamination, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) took several measures, including lowering the provisional "health goal" limit for GenX amounts in drinking water. The EPA also implemented maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for GenX and other PFAS chemicals in 2024 to protect human health and ensure safe drinking water.

To address the GenX chemical pollution in North Carolina, the state government, led by Gov. Roy Cooper, announced a multi-part plan to address the presence of GenX and other chemicals in the Cape Fear River. The plan included requests for additional funding to enhance research and monitoring efforts. The N.C. General Assembly also funded a statewide PFAS Testing Network in 2018 to document and understand PFAS exposure in the state, with a focus on informing public policy and enhancing public health safeguards.

Did older generations create a climate crisis?

The climate crisis is a pressing issue that has been decades in the making. While it is challenging to attribute the crisis solely to a single generation, it is evident that older generations, specifically the Baby Boomers and Generation X, have played a significant role in contributing to and exacerbating the problem.

In 1988, NASA climate scientist James Hansen testified before the US Senate, stating that climate change was occurring and urgent action was necessary to mitigate its impacts. Despite this warning, the world continued to burn fossil fuels at an accelerated rate, pushing planet-warming carbon dioxide levels to unprecedented heights. This inaction and denial of the climate crisis by older generations have left Millennials and Generation Z with a daunting challenge and a costly bill to address the consequences.

Baby Boomers, born between 1946 and 1964, have faced criticism for their perceived lack of environmental stewardship. They came of age during a pivotal time for the environmental movement, with the publication of Silent Spring and the Clean Air Act, yet they are blamed for failing to address climate change effectively during their political reign. Generation X, born between 1965 and 1980, has also been implicated in environmental concerns, particularly with the release of GenX, a chemical compound detected in drinking water sources, which has raised health concerns.

However, it is important to recognize that not all members of these older generations are indifferent to environmental issues. Many Baby Boomers and Generation Xers have demonstrated a commitment to environmental activism, volunteering their time to clean riverbanks, rescue sea turtles, and engage in other conservation efforts. Additionally, as people age and enter retirement, they may have more time to devote to environmental causes and influence the younger generations.

While the climate crisis is a complex issue with numerous contributing factors, it is clear that the inaction and decisions of older generations have played a significant role in shaping the current state of the planet. It is now up to Millennials, Generation Z, and future generations to address the crisis and work towards a more sustainable future.

Gen X's gloomy formative years

Generation X, typically defined as those born between 1965 and 1980, has been described as having a gloomy formative period. This is partly attributed to the economic and societal upheaval they experienced as children and young adults. During their formative years, in the 1970s and 1980s, the world was facing a growing climate crisis.

In 1988, NASA climate scientist James Hansen informed the US Senate that climate change was occurring and that action was needed to limit its effects. However, in the decades since, global carbon dioxide levels have continued to rise due to the burning of fossil fuels. This inaction has resulted in rapidly receding glaciers and rising sea levels, threatening the lives of future generations. Generation X has also been impacted by pollution, particularly chemical pollution, with compounds like GenX, PFOA, and PFOS detected in drinking water.

Gen Xers have been described as cynical, with lower levels of involvement in organized religion, and a tendency towards political independence. They are also more ethnically diverse than previous generations, with a significant proportion identifying as non-white. The grunge music scene of the late 1980s and 1990s was a defining aspect of Gen X culture, reflecting their disaffection and openness to countercultural influences.

Despite the gloomy backdrop of their formative years, many Gen Xers see themselves as more environmentally conscious now than when they were younger. They are also engaging in volunteer work, such as cleaning riverbanks and rescuing sea turtles, allowing them to make a direct environmental impact. As they enter retirement, Gen Xers may have the opportunity to further their commitment to environmental activism and find common ground with younger generations facing the challenges of the climate crisis.

Gen X's environmental activism in retirement

Generation X, born between 1965 and 1979, is the next generation to retire. However, they face a unique struggle in preparing for retirement, with only 60% feeling "on track" for retirement and most thinking they will retire "later than expected" or "not at all". Despite this, Gen Xers may have an opportunity to make an environmental impact through volunteering in their retirement. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, older Gen Xers already perform a significant portion of volunteer work, including environmental action such as cleaning riverbanks, scrubbing bird feathers, and rescuing sea turtles.

Gen Xers also see themselves as more environmentally minded than when they were in their twenties. This increased environmental awareness may be a result of coming of age during the founding of the modern environmental movement, which included the publication of Silent Spring and the passage of the Clean Air Act. As they enter retirement, Gen Xers may have more time to show their commitment to the environment and leave a positive impact.

However, it is important to note that Gen Xers have also been criticized for their environmental inaction, particularly by younger activists who view them as committing "unforgivable environmental sins". There is a perception among some that older generations, including Gen X, have failed to take action and address climate change. Nevertheless, as Gen Xers make up a significant portion of volunteer workers, there is potential for them to make a positive environmental impact in their retirement years.

While Gen Xers may not have been as vocal or active in climate change activism as younger generations such as Millennials and Gen Z, they still have the opportunity to contribute to environmental causes in their own way. This could involve volunteering for local environmental initiatives or organizations dedicated to protecting the environment. Additionally, as more Gen Xers assume positions of authority, they can use their influence to implement sustainable practices and policies in their workplaces and communities.

Overall, while Gen X may have faced challenges in preparing for retirement, their retirement years could present an opportunity for them to actively contribute to environmental causes and leave a positive impact on the world for future generations.

Gen X's economic struggles

Generation X, typically defined as those born between 1965 and 1980, has been labelled the "middle child" generation, sandwiched between the well-known baby boomer and millennial generations. This cohort has faced unique economic struggles that have shaped their outlook and experiences.

One defining characteristic of Gen X is their cynicism, often attributed to the economic and societal upheaval they experienced during their formative years. They came of age during a period of economic uncertainty and flux, witnessing the fallout of the previous generation's financial decisions and a general economic downturn. This included events such as the 1987 stock market crash and the savings and loan crisis, which had a lasting impact on their financial prospects and outlook.

Gen Xers entered the workforce during a time of changing economic landscapes, with traditional industries declining and new sectors emerging. Many faced challenges in finding stable, long-term employment, with some experiencing underemployment or job insecurity. They also had to navigate the evolving world of work, with the rise of new technologies and globalisation impacting the job market.

Additionally, Gen X has struggled with the financial burden of rising costs, particularly in relation to education and housing. They have faced increasing student debt and a competitive housing market, making it harder to attain traditional markers of financial stability, such as homeownership. This has contributed to a sense of financial precarity and uncertainty for many in this generation.

The economic struggles of Gen X have also been influenced by their societal values. As a generation that tends to be more independent and less concerned with societal pressures, money, or status, they have often prioritised personal fulfilment over financial gain. This has led to a perception of Gen Xers as being less driven by financial success compared to other generations, which may have further impacted their economic prospects.

Despite their economic struggles, Gen Xers have demonstrated resilience and adaptability. They have navigated an evolving economic landscape and, as they enter their retirement years, many are finding new ways to positively impact the world, including through environmental activism and volunteering.

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