Young people show greater concern about climate change since the start of the corona crisis
The Red Cross recently conducted a study that reveals an interesting development: young people have become more concerned about climate change since the start of the coronavirus crisis. This study, which involved more than 700 young people between 18 and 35 years old, shows that a fifth of young people are more concerned about the climate than six months ago. Even more striking is that as many as 73% of young people up to 35 years old are already concerned about global warming.
What is causing this increase in concern? Some respondents indicate that they find it worrying that there seems to be less attention paid to climate change during the coronavirus crisis. In addition, they think that during the pandemic they can see more clearly the influence of humans on nature. The clean air due to reduced air traffic is an example of this. Furthermore, many young people say they are seeing more and more natural phenomena linked to climate change.
But it's not just about concern. Young people also see a role for themselves in combating climate change. For example, 43% of respondents believe they have an influence on the extent to which people elsewhere in the world are affected by climate change. As many as 37% believe they have an influence on the situation in the Netherlands. Even more impressive is that 76% of young people are already taking action to combat climate change, and 15% say they want to do so in the future.
We also asked young people what they are already doing for a better environment. A significant number are already using less water (72%) and producing less waste (74%). Furthermore, 63% already eat less meat and 60% take fewer long-distance trips. The figures show that young people are willing to adapt their lifestyles to bring about positive changes for the environment.
The research also emphasizes that climate change is not just a problem of the future. More than nine out of ten young people understand that we are already experiencing its consequences. Climate-related natural disasters are becoming more frequent, as indicated in the recent Red Cross World Disasters Report. More than 80% of natural disasters are now found to be climate-related.
The Red Cross shares young people's concerns about the climate and emphasizes that action is needed. In the first six months of the pandemic, more than 50 million people were affected by both corona and climate-related natural disasters. The Red Cross is ready worldwide to help people who have become victims of natural disasters. But even more important is preventing these disasters. That is why we conduct research into climate change and help vulnerable communities prepare for its consequences.
At Plant N Boom, we share this concern and emphasize the importance of planting trees as a concrete step to combat climate change. Trees are essential for reducing CO2 in the atmosphere and promoting a healthy planet. Together we can make a difference.
But it's not just about concern. Young people also see a role for themselves in combating climate change. For example, 43% of respondents believe they have an influence on the extent to which people elsewhere in the world are affected by climate change. As many as 37% believe they have an influence on the situation in the Netherlands. Even more impressive is that 76% of young people are already taking action to combat climate change, and 15% say they want to do so in the future.
We also asked young people what they are already doing for a better environment. A significant number are already using less water (72%) and producing less waste (74%). Furthermore, 63% already eat less meat and 60% take fewer long-distance trips. The figures show that young people are willing to adapt their lifestyles to bring about positive changes for the environment.
The research also emphasizes that climate change is not just a problem of the future. More than nine out of ten young people understand that we are already experiencing its consequences. Climate-related natural disasters are becoming more frequent, as indicated in the recent Red Cross World Disasters Report. More than 80% of natural disasters are now found to be climate-related.
The Red Cross shares young people's concerns about the climate and emphasizes that action is needed. In the first six months of the pandemic, more than 50 million people were affected by both corona and climate-related natural disasters. The Red Cross is ready worldwide to help people who have become victims of natural disasters. But even more important is preventing these disasters. That is why we conduct research into climate change and help vulnerable communities prepare for its consequences.
At Plant N Boom, we share this concern and emphasize the importance of planting trees as a concrete step to combat climate change. Trees are essential for reducing CO2 in the atmosphere and promoting a healthy planet. Together we can make a difference.