• Green Glow
  • Posts
  • 🌱 Why Young Utahns Are Rethinking Their Future in the Face of Climate Change 🌿🤔

🌱 Why Young Utahns Are Rethinking Their Future in the Face of Climate Change 🌿🤔

Discover how climate change is impacting young people in Utah, from rising temperatures to shrinking natural resources — and why many are rethinking their future in the state.

Author

Green Glow
March 31, 2025

For many young people in Utah, the state has always been a dream—home to majestic mountains, national parks, vibrant outdoor communities, and tight-knit culture. But in recent years, a looming concern is reshaping the way young Utahns imagine their future: climate change.

As temperatures rise, air quality worsens, and ecosystems like the Great Salt Lake teeter on the edge, a growing number of young residents are beginning to ask themselves a difficult question: “Can I really build a future here?”

Table of Contents

Climate Change Hits Home: Utah’s Alarming Trends

Utah is warming — quickly. Since 1970, many counties have seen temperature increases of over 3°F, and some areas, like Weber and Davis, have climbed by 4.5°F. In 2024, Salt Lake City recorded its hottest October ever, with temperatures nearly 10 degrees above average.

These aren’t just inconvenient stats — they’re altering how people live, breathe, and plan their lives. More heat means longer wildfire seasons, poorer air quality, and more days trapped indoors. For young Utahns who grew up skiing, hiking, and exploring the outdoors, this feels like a loss of identity, not just climate.

The Disappearing Great Salt Lake: A Health Crisis in Disguise

Few symbols represent Utah like the Great Salt Lake — but it’s disappearing. In 1986, it spanned over 2,300 square miles. By 2022, it had hit a historic low. As the lake recedes, it leaves behind a dry lakebed that emits toxic dust, putting nearby communities at risk of respiratory illnesses.

What was once a scenic landmark is now a warning sign. For many young people, it’s also a dealbreaker: if Utah can’t manage its water and natural resources, can it sustain a growing population?

Heat in the Classroom, Pressure in the System

Climate change doesn’t just affect landscapes — it’s impacting schools too. Since 1970, the need for air conditioning in Salt Lake City schools has jumped by 55%. Classrooms are becoming harder to learn in. Budgets are stretched. Students and teachers alike are forced to adapt to environments that weren’t designed for this kind of heat.

It’s a small example of a much larger trend: climate stress is putting pressure on every layer of life, from infrastructure to mental health.

Generation Action: Young Utahns Are Speaking Out

Unlike past generations, young people today aren’t waiting around. In 2022, a group of Utah youth filed a lawsuit against the state, arguing that its support for fossil fuel development violates their right to a clean, safe environment.

It was a bold move — but not an isolated one. Across the state, students and young professionals are organizing, speaking up, and voting with climate in mind. The message is clear: this generation wants action, not promises.

Stay and Fight, or Leave for Greener Pastures?

For some, climate change is creating a painful dilemma: Should they stay in the state they love and fight for change? Or should they move somewhere safer, cleaner, and more sustainable?

Many young Utahns are weighing these options seriously. The idea of “climate migration” is no longer abstract — it’s a topic in friend group chats, college planning sessions, and job interviews.

A Call to Utah’s Leaders: Listen and Act

The time for climate denial or delay is over. Young people aren’t just asking for change — they’re demanding it. Utah needs bold policies: sustainable water management, investment in renewable energy, and stronger environmental protections.

This isn’t about politics — it’s about preserving a state that future generations can call home.

Conclusion

Utah has always been a place of inspiration. The question now is whether it can remain one. For many young residents, the dream of staying here is alive — but fragile. If we want to keep their talent, energy, and love for this place, we must start building a future that can support them.

The climate is changing — and so are the dreams of Utah’s youth. Whether they stay depends on what happens next.

FAQs

How is climate change affecting daily life in Utah?

Climate change is leading to hotter temperatures, longer wildfire seasons, and worsening air quality. These changes are affecting everything from outdoor activities to school environments, where cooling demands and health risks are rising.

Why are young Utahns concerned about the Great Salt Lake?

The Great Salt Lake has reached historic lows, exposing a dry lakebed that releases toxic dust into the air. This not only harms Utah’s ecosystem but also creates serious public health risks, particularly for nearby communities.

Are young people in Utah taking action on climate change?

Yes. Many are becoming activists, engaging in policy discussions, and even taking legal action. In 2022, a group of youth filed a lawsuit against the state, claiming its support of fossil fuel development violates their right to a healthy environment.

Is climate change influencing migration decisions in Utah?

Absolutely. Some young people are questioning whether they can build a future in Utah due to environmental risks. Climate factors are starting to influence decisions about where to study, work, and settle long-term.

What can Utah’s leaders do to address climate concerns?

Urgent policy changes are needed — including sustainable water management, stronger environmental protections, and greater investment in renewable energy. Young Utahns are calling on leaders to act now to secure the state’s livability.

You May Also Like

Sponsored Links