A report, from Royal Holloway University, Nottingham Trent University, and the University of Sheffield, finds that young people feel powerless in relation to environmental issues, and believe they lack information about the environmental responsibilities of local governments.
Local engagement with young people on environmental issues is often seen as lacking in quality, the report states, adding: “Young people are not included early enough in environmental policy making or design, and are not provided with the educational tools or platforms for deliberation to engage more fully in the policy process.”
Young people also feel a delay in the inclusion of their age-group at events held after big decisions have already been made is a “major stumbling block to effective engagement”.
Many of those who contributed to the research wanted the government to take action on a national level, the report says, with the majority agreeing that individual action would not have sufficient impact.
The report contains findings from a survey of more than 2,000 young people aged 16 to 24, a discussion event, and focus groups – focused on London and Nottingham as case studies, to understand how young people think about climate change.
Civic leaders from across London and Nottingham, Greater London Authority peer outreach workers, and representatives from Nottingham’s universities and civil society organisations were also interviewed.
Young Londoners hold personal concerns around the impact of climate change, such as the effect of pollution on a family member’s asthma. They also tended to connect the environment to broader issues within the city, such as crime, mental health, and poverty.
In Nottingham, young people were positive about the city’s public transport and green spaces, but some reported a “strong sense of hopelessness” when considering the environmental damage caused by climate change.
The report calls on local policymakers to better engage with young people on environmental issues at a local level, particularly those from marginalised backgrounds.
Professor James Sloan from Royal Holloway University said: “Young people lack confidence that their voices count for much in conversations about how best to address the climate emergency, while policymakers seem unsure regarding how best to engage young people in such matters.
“We recommend that young people from diverse backgrounds should be prioritised in local authority communications and community engagement, as well as ensuring their involvement in the design of local environment polices.”
