Aspirations and Apprehensions: Reconciling Youths' Desires and Concerns for a Sustainable Future

ABSTRACT Although youth are widely acknowledged as change agents, their full participation is often limited by immediate concerns. This study examines how young people's aspirations shape their engagement with sustainability amid economic, environmental, and social uncertainties. Drawing on a large‐scale international survey ( n : 15,076) and multinomial logistic regression analysis, the findings reveal that prioritizing professional and economic security correlates with lower worries about global challenges while more altruistic or academically oriented aspirations intensify awareness of environmental and societal issues. These results suggest that many young people view personal achievement as a prerequisite before dedicating themselves to sustainability, whereas others feel compelled to address planetary and people problems directly. Theoretically, these insights extend Maslow's hierarchy, refine the theory of planned behavior, and integrate social identity theory with economic psychology. Practically, they highlight opportunities for educational reforms, policy interventions, and corporate strategies that align personal success with collective well‐being.