Children 'concerned' about energy saving

7 November 2006

Roughly two-thirds of children are concerned about climate change and many have put energy-saving measures into place to help protect the environment, a study has shown.

A survey conducted by Friends of the Earth questioned 1,000 children aged between eight and 14 about their views on climate change, finding that 75 per cent of youngsters were worried about the impacts of global warming.

Among the results was that more than half of those polled had discussed global warming with their parents, resulting in many of the children undertaking energy saving practices such as turning electrical items off when not in use instead of leaving them on standby.

"Young people will have to live with the consequences if we fail to take action on climate change, so it's important we take their views into account," said Vicki Felgate, Friends of the Earth youth and education co-ordinator.

"Many young people are worried about how climate change will affect the world and many think not enough is being done to keep temperatures below danger levels," she added.

The figures were released to coincide with the national campaign Shout about climate solutions week – an activity week during which children are asked to find out about what people or groups in their communities are doing to combat climate change.