Is the younger generation more aware of the planet’s fate than their elders? It would appear not. A recent study, commissioned by the French Agency for Ecological Transition (ADEME) from the Opinion Way polling institute, shows that French people aged 15 to 25 are aware of climate issues, but still find it difficult to take action in their daily behavior.
1,001 people aged 15 to 25 were questioned (online).
“The environment is a major concern for young people aged 15 to 25. It appears that, overall, they consider these issues to be more important than those around them (79%),” explains ADEME. “In this respect, we note that 15-25 year-olds’ perception of the environmental crisis differs from that of their elders. They see the world as going badly, characterized by a never-ending series of crises, with no prospect of improvement. This perception is caused not only by over-consumption and over-production, but also, on a moral level, by greed, selfishness and human excess. As a result, many young people adopt a high level of fatalism.”
Timid action
15-25 year-olds feel they are more committed to environmental issues than their elders (all generations combined). But in reality, ADEME points to a slight gap.
“Only 9% of them are involved in an environmental association (even though they see associations as the pinnacle of environmental commitment).”
What’s more, only 14% of them have ever taken part in a pro-climate event. And to justify this low level of involvement, they cite a lack of time, desire or motivation.
A question of transmission…
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