Young people say not enough is being done to tackle climate change

Around two thirds of young people believe we aren't doing enough to tackle climate change, a new survey reveals today (6 November) [1]. The UK wide opinion poll was commissioned by Friends of the Earth as part of a Shout about climate solutions week from 6 - 10 November, a week of activity involving schools and youth groups across Wales.

The poll also found that young people are becoming increasingly concerned about the dangers of climate change, with 75 per cent saying they were worried about the impacts of climate change compared to just 60 per cent of respondents in a similar poll conducted last year. The survey also showed that over half of young people had talked about climate change with their parents and that many young people have taken action to save energy at home and at school. Fifty seven per cent said they made sure they turned their computer, stereo or TV off when not in use rather then on stand by, and 60 per cent make sure they turn the lights off when they leave a room.

Shout about climate solutions week offers teachers and youth leaders a fun and engaging way of exploring the issue of climate change, and how to tackle it with young people.

To help teachers and pupils explore climate change and climate solutions, Friends of the Earth has produced The Shout about climate solutions pack. This resource contains easy-to-use information and is packed with activities designed to bring the issue to life in the classroom. It is designed for use with young people between the ages of 11 and 13 and is linked to the National Curriculum for Wales in the areas of science, CDT, mathematics, geography and PSE. A Welsh language version of the pack will be available from December.

Julian Rosser, Director of Friends of the Earth Cymru commented:

"Young people will have to live with the consequences if we fail to take action on climate change, so it's important we take their views into account. Many young people are worried about how climate change will affect the world and many think not enough is being done to keep temperatures below danger levels. Shout about week aims to help young people explore the climate solutions that, if implemented, could keep temperatures in check."

Greenhill School in Pembrokeshire took part in "Shout about climate change" week last year and won the UK competition to design a poster on the topic.

Judy Simpson, a teacher in Greenhill School, commented:

"The competition lit a spark in our students that I don't think will go out. Winning meant so much to them, it has boosted their self esteem and given them the confidence to "have a go"! Such an improvement cannot be measured by tests or exams, but we can see it.

"At school we now have an environment group that meets weekly and the whole school has become more aware of sustainability and recycling. This group of students moved on to tackle recycling in a "hands-on" way. They arranged a fashion show using clothes donated by the local Cancer Charity shop. Our students and designers at school modified, customised and added to the clothes bringing them right up to date then other students modelled them for us. The evening was a total success and raised over £600."

Notes

More information:
www.foe.co.uk/learning/youth/shout_about

[1] The national online opinion poll of 937 young people between the ages of 8 and 14 was carried out by 72 point. Participants were asked four questions outlined below.

You may have heard about climate change in the news. Are you worried about how this will affect the world when you are older?

Very worried: 16.35 per cent
A little bit worried: 58.65 per cent
Not very worried: 13.46 per cent
Not worried at all: 4.81 per cent
Don't know: 6.73 per cent

What we do about climate change now will make a difference to the world that you have to live in when you grow up. Do you think we are doing enough about climate change?

Yes: 12.50 per cent
No: 63.46 per cent
Don't know: 24.04 per cent

Using less energy can help to tackle climate change? Do you ever do any of these energy saving things at home or school?

Put a jumper on instead of turning the heating up: 47.62 per cent
Walk or cycle instead of getting a lift: 49.52 per cent
Make sure the TV, computer, DVD or stereo is off when it's not in use - and not left on stand-by: 57.14 per cent
Unplug mobile or I-pod chargers when they are fully charged, so they don't keep using up electricity: 38.10 per cent
Make sure switch lights off when you leave a room: 60.95 per cent
Avoid leaving fridge door open for too long: 58.10 per cent
Have a quick shower instead of a bath: 52.38 per cent

Do your mum and dad ever talk to you about climate change?

Yes: 51.92 per cent
No: 48.08 per cent