全球青年与可持续发展

Youth perspectiveson climate Preparing for a sustainable future Table ofcontents Thank you to the youngclimate leaders whocontributed theirperspectives to this study Shaik Imran Hussain ChoudharyClimate activist and co-founder of Prakheti, Ekin Akman Catherine DunnEnvironmental activist, postgraduate Catarina LorenzoEnvironmental activist, professionalsurfer, secondary student – Brazil Education activist, coordinator for the YouthLeadership Council, UNICEF– Turkey a regenerative farming company – India student – South Africa Nokwanda NdlovuClimate activist, researcher,postgraduate student – South Africa Shibani PadhyClimate activist, youth leader with the National Youth Fatma Nur TosunEU-Turkey Youth Climate Envoy,Content Lead for Turkish online mediaA Sustainable World– Turkey Climate Consortium, part of UNICEF – India Who shouldread this reportand why? This is a report for corporate sustainability and humanresources (HR) leaders and policymakers, detailingthe global perspectives of youth on climate change.It is intended to inform workforce development andtalent hiring and retention strategies. The insights inthis report will support policymakers in understandingyouth priorities when crafting policy, taking legislativeaction, and engaging with the public on environmentaland sustainability issues. This report analyzes the findings from a comprehensivesurvey of 5,100 youth aged 16 to 24 across 21 countries.The majority (83%) of youth surveyed live in the GlobalSouth (see definition on page 10). As of 2024, 88% of theglobal youth population aged 16 to 24 lived in the GlobalSouth.1 For more details, please see the research methodology atthe end of the report. Amid climate anxiety, the spirit of youthful hopeis still alive– Our research reveals that 67% of youngpeople globally worry about the impact of climatechange, rising to 81% in the US. Despite this anxiety, thenatural optimism of youth remains intact. Seventy-twopercent of youth in our survey believe there is still time toaddress the problems caused by climate change. As of 2024, there were over 1.2 billion people aged 16to 24 in the world, or 15% of the global population.2Thisgeneration represents a decisive force for addressingthe climate crisis. With climate change accelerating, thisgeneration will be significantly impacted over their livesas children and young people are more vulnerable toclimate and environmental shocks than adults.3The globalyouth population, therefore, must have a voice in shapingfuture climate policy. Meaningful collaboration with youthmust happen. Executivesummary Youth value green skills but worry they lack them– Youth see green skills as essential to their future, but many feel they are falling behind. Six in 10 globallybelieve that gaining green skills will unlock new careeropportunities, and over half (53%) are eager to work ingreen jobs. But only 44% of youth globally feel equippedwith the skills needed for today's green workforce (albeitrising to 54% in the Global North). This report explores youth perspectives on the climatecrisis, their take on “green skilling” and graduating toa green job, and how business and government cancollaborate with young people to inspire climate advocacyand activism. Our comprehensive study of 5,100 youthacross the Global South and Global North–with 83% ofour sample in the Global South–fills a void in the bodyof research addressing youth and climate change. Ourunique insights gives voice to youth of differing socio-economic backgrounds and seeks to understand theirdiverse perspectives, but shared future on climate. Youth want to be part of the solution– Most youth inboth the Global North and South believe that businessand political leaders must act more decisively to addressclimate change. Seven in 10 believe that young peopleshould be able to influence environmental policy, butless than half (47%) feel that adults in their communitieslisten to and consider their views. To build credibility and bonds of trust with their futureworkforce and consumers, while driving innovation andvalue,corporate leadersmust: Executivesummary •Co-design green job pathways;•Increase the ratio of youth securing green jobs withintheir first five years of work;•Support community-based green skills initiatives;•Incorporate youth voices into environmental, social, andgovernance (ESG) and climate strategies;•Invest in youth-led projects, entrepreneurship, andvolunteerism. We conclude the report with recommendations forpolicymakers and corporate leaders to partner withyoung people in driving climate solutions and supportingthe development of green skills. To ensure that legislation is designed in the best interestsof the generation it will most impact,policymakersmust: •Work alongside youth voices;•Integrate green skills into education curriculums;•Democratize access to education and training;•Align climate goals with youth employment andeducation strategies. “Today’s youth are ready to lea