Rethinking environmental and social justice through Gen Z perspectives in developing nations

Achieving sustainability has become a global priority, yet developing countries continue to face obstacles rooted in sustainability justice rather than technical limitations. This study explores Generation Z’s sense of social responsibility in advancing sustainability justice, focusing on Iran as a representative developing nation. Using a quantitative survey design, data were collected from 384 undergraduate students across several provinces through multi-stage cluster and random sampling. Respondents evaluated nine dimensions of sustainability justice: climate change, energy use, waste management, public health, poverty, social exclusion, resource management, biodiversity, and land use. Findings show that governmental performance is perceived as relatively strong in public health but critically weak in biodiversity and climate change, where justice appears minimal or absent. In contrast, Generation Z demonstrates a strong sense of responsibility toward resource management and poverty reduction, indicating readiness to act independently of governmental initiatives. This study provides one of the first empirical insights into youth-driven sustainability justice in a developing context, emphasizing Gen Z’s capacity to bridge governance gaps through ethical and participatory engagement. Practically, empowering young, digital-native citizens can strengthen justice-oriented sustainability policies and promote intergenerational equity, guiding policymakers toward more inclusive, resilient, and equitable sustainability strategies. • A survey of 384 Iranian undergraduates reveals their sustainability justice views. • Government performance is strongest in health justice but weakest in biodiversity. • Climate change and biodiversity are perceived as the least just sustainability areas. • Gen Z shows strong responsibility for resource management and poverty reduction. • Findings highlight Gen Z's potential to bridge governance gaps in sustainability.