New polling data from leading ethical bank Triodos Bank UK reveals a younger generation feeling the impacts of climate breakdown and pushing their parents to ensure that their money is invested sustainably.
Following the hottest summer on record, three quarters (75%) of the 1,000 children surveyed said that the hot weather this summer meant their school days were different, while 72% worry about climate change affecting their future.
As a result, 81% think that banks should put money into companies that will help the planet in the long term. When asked what they’d most like their money to fund, companies that protect nature and animals came out on top at 43%.
These attitudes have not always been reflected in the financial choices that parents make on their behalf. Among parents with junior savings or investment accounts for their children, only 26% had considered where the money was invested and its impact on people and the planet when setting the account up. Around one in five (21%) had prioritised ethics and sustainability when choosing a junior account, compared with security (52%), interest rates (52%) and ease of use (46%).
However, the research revealed that children’s values are beginning to influence their parents’ financial decision-making. More than two thirds (69%) of parents say their child is making them think harder about financial impact. Among parents whose child has a junior savings or investment account, half (50%) say their child has asked where their money is saved or invested, while 19% say their child has asked them to change where their money is saved.
Charlotte Howell, Co-director, 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.”
Roger Hattam, Chief Commercial Officer, Triodos Bank UK, said: “This research highlights that young people care about where their money goes and the impact it has. At Triodos, we believe finance should be a force for positive change, including the money we put aside for future generations. Our new junior products offer families a way to save or invest for their children while helping to finance organisations creating lasting social and environmental impact.”
Tom Black, a father of four based in rural Fife, 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.”
The new data coincides with the launch of Triodos Bank UK’s Junior Stocks & Shares ISA and Good Start Saver, alongside the relaunch of its Junior Cash ISA. These accounts enable parents to save or invest for their children’s futures while also funding positive environmental and social impacts today.
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. The bank’s personal current account and savings accounts have been awarded ‘Best Buy’ status by Ethical Consumer – scoring 96/100 across its ethical rating system in 2025.
The new Junior Stocks & Shares ISA will give customers the opportunity to invest in the Triodos Future Generations Fund, which invests in companies supporting children’s wellbeing and development. As with all investments, the value can go down as well as up.
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. Deposits in the Junior Cash ISA and Good Start Saver will support further impactful lending.