Americans care more about future generations than many think – and that gap could matter for policy
Americans care more about future generations than many think – and that gap could matter for policy
Publish Date: 2026-04-30 08:32:00
Source Domain: theconversation.com
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Caring about future generations involves considering the ethical implications of decisions on those who will live centuries in the future, including issues like climate change, pandemic preparedness, and emerging technologies.
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A recent study in the journal Futures based on two online surveys of U.S. adults revealed that Americans generally value future generations, but tend to underestimate how much concern other Americans feel.
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The first survey gauged individual views about future generations, while the second involved another group estimating average American beliefs about societal and governmental responsibility towards future generations.
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Americans extended moral consideration to at least 28 generations, or roughly 700 years into the future, but believed others only extended concern around 21 generations (175 years).
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On policy matters, Americans stated that society and government should consider people around 16 to 17 generations ahead (400 to 425 years), while assuming others would consider only 13 generations (325 years).
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Misestimating the level of public concern for future generations can affect involvement and advocacy for long-term policies, leading to a lack of collective action despite actual broad support.
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Unlike climate change policies, the concern for future generations isn’t overtly politicized and is voiced less in public discussions, media coverage, or political debates, leading to assumptions that others have less concern.
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Future research should investigate why this concern for future generations remains underarticulated and undervalued in public discourse.
