Over the summer, I spent lots of quality time with my children, 13 and 10, and one thing struck me: environmental issues seem to be part of everyday conversation in a way they weren't when I was growing up.

Whether it's reducing waste, choosing sustainable products, protecting wildlife or discussing climate change, many young people appear to think about the impact they have on the world around them.

A recent global survey by UNICEF Generation Unlimited and the Capgemini Research Institute found that 67% of young people are worried about climate change and, perhaps more encouragingly, 72% believe there is still time to address it. More than half said they would be interested in pursuing a green career!

What I find most interesting is that this generation doesn't seem to view sustainability as a separate issue. For many young people, it is connected to the future they want to build: the jobs they choose, the products they buy, the organisations they support and the communities they want to live in.

Of course, awareness alone isn't enough, but there is something hopeful about seeing a generation that is both informed about the environmental challenges we face and optimistic that progress is still possible.