Our kids shouldn't need to save the world

All young people deserve to have the freedom to explore whatever kind of future they imagine for themselves. Dreams of meeting people, exploring new countries, building a family, achieving their goals – all of these are at risk of being sacrificed to dealing with the harsh realities of a future controlled and limited by the climate crisis.  

As the climate changes, we will all face challenges, from extreme weather to pressure on resources, the economy and our security. These challenges can affect people’s lives and wellbeing, especially children and communities that are more vulnerable. But by working together, we can build a safer, healthier future for everyone. 

What we do today decides whether our children inherit a world they can shape, or one they have to repair.  
 

Our children are already worried about their future. We surveyed 1,000 children: 75% said that the hot weather this summer had changed their school days, and 72% said they were concerned about climate change.  

One of the most impactful things we can do today is re-direct finance and investments into climate solutions.  

We also asked children about banking: 81% said that banks should put money into companies that would help the planet. When asked what they’d most like their money to fund, 43% said companies that protect nature and animals.  

"We want to help make the environment better, to help animals and plants."

How banking can make a difference

Among parents with junior savings or investment accounts for their children, only 26% had considered where the money was invested. However, the research revealed that children’s values are also beginning to influence their parent’s financial decision-making. Half the parents we surveyed said their children had asked where their money is saved, and more than two thirds said their child is making them think harder about financial impact. 

Charlotte Howell, Co-director of Parents for Future, said: "Most parents worry about whether their children will have enough money in the future. But after a summer of extreme heat and wildfires, more of us are also seriously wondering what kind of world they will be living in. 

“Saving for your child’s future shouldn’t come at the cost of the world they are inheriting. By choosing a sustainable and ethical bank, parents can save for their children while also protecting our climate, nature and communities.” 

Triodos only finances organisations that are working to make a positive difference to people and the planet, so customers know their money is being put to good use.  

Triodos Bank UK has delivered over £2.5 billion in lending to projects generating transformative social and environmental impact across the UK since the bank opened in 1995. These include Solar for Schools, a community benefit society providing roof-top solar panels for schools across the UK and also Gympanzees, the UK’s first accessible play centre for children with disabilities.  

What Triodos parents think 

Tom has Junior Cash ISAs for both his youngest boys with Triodos. He said: “The nature and climate crisis are major concerns for our family. I’ve raised my boys to spend time in nature, to be outdoors and to be part of a community. I’d love my children to inherit a regenerative future with abundant wildlife. I like that, by banking with Triodos, my money can support good things – including sustainable development and nature restoration – while I save for my boys’ futures and show them how the choices we make can contribute to a positive one.” 

Our customer Veronika, who has two children, says "When it comes to my values as a parent, I just want my children to grow up to be happy and kind people. Choosing to bank with Triodos was about saving for their future and what they may want to do, but also about helping to build the type of world they’d like to live in. For me, it all boils down to wanting to create a healthy, thriving environment and society.”