Concerned About the Future of Our Planet, Children Want to Contribute to Environmental Protection

Students in the seventh and eighth grades in Croatia are divided in their opinions regarding what the future holds for our planet. One third have a positive outlook and believe that we will reduce harmful impacts on the environment in the future, an equal number think it will get worse, while the remaining students have yet to form an opinion on this topic. This is part of the results of the research presented by Telemach and the Ipsos agency at a panel discussion on the continuation of Telemach’s socially responsible project ‘Who is Polluting?’, aimed at children.

The expectations of children about the future were among the key questions of the research, and the results show that children largely do not have a clear or positive picture.

– Eco-anxiety is a problem that, unfortunately, still flies under the radar in our society, but the numbers are indeed alarming. For example, a 2021 study published in The Lancet and conducted on 10,000 children and young people from around the world shows that regarding climate and the future, as many as half of young people feel sadness, anxiety, anger, helplessness, and guilt. Additionally, three-quarters believe that the future in the context of climate change is frightening – emphasized Igor Mikloušić, psychologist and research associate at the Ivo Pilar Institute of Social Sciences, thus confirming that this negative global trend has also reflected on children in Croatia.

Education – A Factor for More Positive Outcomes in the Future

However, the data is more positive when observing the role and influence of these teenagers on environmental issues. Half of the students in higher grades of primary school consider themselves sufficiently informed about ecological topics, and as many as two-thirds believe that they care enough about environmental protection and the preservation of the planet, which is particularly pronounced among girls. On the other hand, the research showed that there is room for education, which students also see as one of the key factors for more positive outcomes in the future.

– Still, half of the students believe they are not sufficiently informed about ecological topics and that education, along with necessary changes in habits, waste reduction, and organized cleaning actions, is key to preserving our planet – pointed out Sandra Trkeš from Ipsos, adding that the mentioned education would certainly be particularly beneficial for the 34 percent of students who, according to the research, still do not care enough about environmental protection and the preservation of the planet. However, Sandra Trkeš also adds that most respondents show a desire for their own engagement when it comes to a better future.

Students as Active Citizens

Almost half of the students believe that in the future, jobs that contribute more to the community, societal development, and environmental protection will prevail, and as many as 61 percent of the students themselves want to work in such jobs. In all of this, technology plays an important role for them. “The research clearly indicates that a large number of respondents believe that their generation faces a worse future than the present they live in. If we do not start acting and adapting to the consequences of climate change today, future generations will indeed have to make enormous efforts to keep the planet suitable for life. Along with decision-makers, we as citizens share a common responsibility for the future of our planet, and I am particularly pleased that students recognize the activities they can undertake as active citizens,” emphasized Miljenka Kuhar, Executive Director of the Society for Shaping Sustainable Development during the panel discussion.

Regarding the research results and the activities that Telemach undertakes in the field of educating children and young people, Andrea Šalinović, a specialist in responsible social business at Telemach, also commented.

– This research is further confirmation that as a community we must continue to work on improving our daily habits to preserve our planet, not only for the present but also for future generations. Aware of how important continuous education is in the field of environmental protection, especially for our children and youth, through the project ‘Who is Polluting?’ and the traveling performance we organize in schools and kindergartens across Croatia, we want to empower the youngest generations and bring them closer to the correct habits related to personal responsibility and environmental preservation. We are proud that in less than two years, around 7,000 children have seen the performance, and I believe that ahead of the start of a new cycle, the research presented today will further awaken interest in participation – said Šalinović.