EU-DIGEST

Worldwide poll by Pleon Communications in 27 countries sponsored by Shell shows today's 17-24 years olds reluctant to make personal sacrifices to solve effects environmental challenges

The poll shows that most of those questioned believe that by 2050 people will travel in flying cars, get much of their power from renewable energy and live a life of luxury in a world without borders. That optimistic image of the future emerged from a survey of young adults in 27 countries worldwide. And while survey respondents believe their generation will have to adapt to rising sea levels and other effects of global warming, they are reluctant to make personal sacrifices that could help address the problem. The worldwide poll gives a fascinating insight into the younger generations view of the future.

Their answers to 24 questions about hopes and fears show they are largely optimistic about their own welfare. Most expect to be better off than their parents by 2050. More young adults in Nigeria, India, Mexico and Russia think so than in any other surveyed country. On the other hand, Dutch and Japanes respondents were the most pessimistic, expecting to earn less than their parents. Although they fear climate change, very few young people say they are prepared to rein in their economic ambitions to help protect the environment. Over 80% of those surveyed want to live in a big house and to travel the world. Although two thirds are ready to make small changes in their lives to help the environment, such as composting or recycling, they are less willing when it comes to tougher lifestyle choices that could have the largest impact on climate change. Only one-fifth of respondents are prepared to take fewer long-distance holiday trips and just a third will change their diet to eat only locally grown food.

Labels: Future, Polls, Pollution and the environment, Shell Oil, World Economy, Youth