Youth in a Changing Climate
What do young people really think about climate change?
Download the report (PDF)
I feel we have to try to fix the previous generation’s mistakes and make a better future, for not only us but also generations to come…
Youth in a Changing Climate explores young people’s perspectives on climate change. The report is based on focus groups and a survey of 500 young people aged 16 to 25, conducted during the lead up to the 2021 UN Climate Conference in Glasgow. It sets out what young people told us about their views on climate change, their hopes for the future, and how they want to be involved in the decisions that are made along the way.
Young people told us that they:
- Do not need convincing about the threat posed by climate change.
- Did not learn enough about climate change at school.
- Want to be involved in climate action, locally and nationally.
- Sometimes feel excluded and struggle to find examples of people like them who are involved in climate action.
- Want to see positive changes in their communities as a result of climate action.
- Think they are not being taken seriously enough in decision-making.
- Want to see more action from those in power.
What are we calling for?
- More opportunities for young people to learn about climate change, the environment, and green careers
- A more diverse and inclusive environmental sector
- Young people’s aspirations for a greener future to be at the heart of efforts to ‘level up’ communities
- A greater say for young people in decisions about tackling climate change