Climate change raises concern among youth

Manama : A majority of millennials in the GCC are increasingly concerned about the effects of global warming on the climate and its damaging impact in the future, a study has found. 

‘YouGov’ invited millennials aged from 18 to 29 residing in the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and Saudi Arabia, to voice their opinions on climate change. 

Global warming is seen as a problem for almost all respondents (92pc), who also think that the environment is under a bigger threat today than 20 years ago (92pc). 

“It is encouraging to see that 9 out 10 millennials in the GCC are concerned about the environment and they remain cautiously optimistic that solutions could still be found to counter the issues,” YouGov’s Managing Director Kailash Nagdev commented.

Eventhough 64pc believe that a solution can be found against global warming, it is not the first future priority for many with just 6pc considering it a top priority.

77pc of respondents believe that the implementation of measures to reduce greenhouse gases will improve the economic and job situation in the GCC, with 81pc agreeing that it is possible to combine material progress and environmental protection. 

The study also aimed to understand how the participants perceived the connection between the climate and the job market, and the role of education in the fight against global warming. 

More than half of respondents (52pc) believe that education has prepared them sufficiently to face challenges concerning global warming. 

8 out of 10 believe that global warming will change the nature of existing jobs (new skills and new partnerships) and 64 pc believe that global warming will destroy existing jobs.

The fight against global warming was one of the career goals and a factor in the
choice of job for 56pc of respondents.

The employer’s commitment to the protection of the environment and fight against global warming was the most important criteria for only 7pc of respondents. 

When it comes to whom they trust to help solve the global warming problem, 87pc preferred scientists and experts. 82pc  trusted Schools and universities whereas 77pc voted for NGOs and other charitable/humanitarian organisations. 74 pc trust their government to protect the environment. 

The survey was conducted online by YouGov using a specialist Omnibus research service. 

In total, 1,294 people living in the GCC region (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates), aged 18 to 29, took part in the online survey from October 25 to 31, 2016.