Survey reveals children's climate change concerns

New research for World Environment Day shows that almost 8 in 10 children regularly worry about climate change

Recent weeks have seen young people across Great Britain striking from school and protesting against climate change. The demonstrations show no sign of dissipating and new research released today has shown that half (50 per cent) of 8-16 year olds feel that older generations simply aren't doing enough to tackle what has now been classified as a climate emergency.

The research, carried out by Smart Energy GB for World Environment Day (5th June) also found that almost 8 in 10 (77 per cent) of young people say they worry about climate change at least once a month and 68 per cent recognise the extreme impact climate change will have in the long-term. Further findings revealed that:

• Only a quarter (27 per cent) believe that cities with clean air will still exist in 50 years' time
• They also believe we will see the extinction of penguins (44 per cent), seals (47 per cent) and koalas (50 per cent) as well as the disappearance of the Great Barrier Reef (62 per cent) over the next half-century

These worries are compounded by the fact that three quarters (73 per cent) of children feel helpless when it comes to tackling climate change. But there are small steps people can take, like recycling and getting a smart meter. Having a smart meter installed in our home is one small contribution we can all make towards much larger environmental change and a cleaner, greener, smarter Britain.

Presenter Julia Bradbury has teamed up with Smart Energy GB to encourage everyone to do their bit for the environment and get a smart meter installed.

Julia Bradbury, television presenter and smart meter advocate, said:

"The results of this research will be really concerning to parents across the country, particularly the fact that our children are so worried about climate change, and that nearly three quarters of them feel helpless when it comes to tackling the issue. I do my best to live my life in an eco-conscious way, and that includes teaching my kids about the importance of looking after the planet.

"I think it's important to remember that the small steps we all take, such as recycling, using less energy and getting a smart meter you're taking a small step towards creating a better future for our children and grandchildren. It's so easy to do, just search: 'I want a smart meter' or call 0300 131 8000."

Robert Cheesewright, Director of Corporate Affairs at Smart Energy GB, said:

"We are facing a climate emergency, so it's not surprising to see that there are so many young people across Britain who are worried about the issue and our impact on the environment.

"By getting a smart meter and using it to help make smarter choices to reduce energy waste, we can all contribute towards Britain meeting its climate change targets, and creating a more sustainable energy system for our children and grandchildren"

Search 'I want a smart meter' or call 0300 131 8000 to book your installation and join the millions of Brits who are already to create a more environmentally friendly country.

-ENDS-

Notes to editors

Research was carried out on 1,002 UK children aged 8-16 by Opinion Matters between 18/04/2019 to 23/04/2019.

About Smart Energy GB

Smart Energy GB is the campaign for a smarter Britain. It's our task to help everyone in Great Britain understand smart meters, the national rollout and how to use their new meters to be cleaner and greener with their energy use. Our national campaign is reaching households and microbusinesses in England, Scotland and Wales.

About smart meters and the rollout

Smart meters replace the traditional meters we currently have in our homes. They enable accurate bills, near real time information on energy use in pounds and pence, and greater control over the way we buy and use energy. The smart meter rollout is an essential technology upgrade, unprecedented in its scale, to improve Great Britain's energy infrastructure.

There are already 14.3 million smart meters installed in homes and microbusinesses across Great Britain. Every household in England, Scotland and Wales can receive one at no extra cost by simply searching I want a smart meter or call 0300 131 8000.

Smart Energy GB media contacts

For more information including interview requests, case studies of smart meter users, infographics, photography and video content please contact the Smart Energy GB media team:

[email protected]; 07921 458 041