A poll commissioned by UNICEF UK, published today, shows that children in Britain are deeply concerned about the impact of climate change, both for their own futures and for those of children in developing countries.
The survey found that almost three-quarters of young people aged 11-16 are concerned about how climate change will impact on their lives and would like the UK Government to do more to combat it.
It also found that two-thirds of young people were worried about how climate change will affect other children and families in developing countries. Awareness of climate change among the young people was high, with 88% of those surveyed claiming to know at least a little about it and just 1% saying they knew nothing about climate change.
Parents and grandparents expressed less concern about climate change than young people, but nonetheless, over half (58%) agreed that the effects of climate change will mean their children will not grow up in the same natural environment as they did. 61% agreed that the UK Government should take more action to combat climate change.
David Bull, UNICEF UK's Executive Director, said:
"This survey shows that there is a desire amongst Britons, young and old, for our Government to show strong leadership and take decisive action on climate change. By committing its fair share of new money to the Green Climate Fund to help children adapt to the effects of climate change, the UK Government can make sure children everywhere have enough nutritious food to eat, grow up to fulfil their potential and do not pay for our past mistakes with their futures. Our leaders must be told that they need to act now."
A full report on how children around the world feel about climate change will be published by UNICEF UK later this year.