Young people in the UK are calling for more education on climate change and sustainability in schools, according to a new survey which found more than 2.5 million 7-17 year-olds backing the move.
 
The research, commissioned by Zurich Insurance, finds over one third (32%) of 7-17 year olds want climate change and sustainability topics to be covered at school.

The poll also found nearly a quarter (24%) of 7-17 year-olds think young voices are not currently being listened to in the climate change debate, with a high number showing support for initiatives to reduce carbon emissions.

Around half of the young people surveyed support a ban or limit on non-recyclable plastics, while 24% want businesses taxed according to their carbon emissions. Over one fifth (21%) also said they would support a fast fashion tax to raise funds to recycle, old and unwanted clothes. 

The survey comes ahead of Zurich Insurance’s Youth Against Carbon Conference (YAC Con), the UK’s first carbon-neutral eco-summit for young people, to be held next month.

YAC Con will feature an all youth panel who will debate a range of topics, from lessons to be taken from Covid-19 lockdown measures to issues including fast fashion, food consumption, plastic usage, eco travel and transport pollution. 

Rosa Medea is Life & Soul Magazine’s Chief. She writes about lifestyle including sustainable and green living.