Hope about the future of the world is on the decline

In mid 2025, only 19% Australians said they felt hopeful or very hopeful about the future of the world. If you imagine a spectrum of hope, the weight is currently tipped to the low ‘not hopeful’ end. Around four in ten (44%) were low in hope.  Also concerning is that levels of hope about the future of the world has dropped from 24% in 2024 . The chart below paints a stark picture.

Those who took part in the 2025 Australian Community Survey shared raw reflections: “I am worried for my children and grandchildren,” one said. Another admitted, “It’s very hard to be hopeful.”  Another person said "I really fear for humanity and nature. I can have the attitude of ‘oh, well. I won’t be alive.’ But really, should we think this way?”

But here’s the thing—hope isn’t just a feeling. It’s a skill. It can be cultivated, even in tough times. Philosopher Gabriel Marcel called hope “an active struggle against despair.” That means we don’t wait for things to get better—we act to make them better.

So while the numbers are sobering, they’re also a call to action. Let’s talk about what’s draining our hope—and how we can refill the tank.