Youth less concerned with climate change

Whereas climate change used to be the second top priority for youth across the country, it now only ranks as number 11 on a list of what they consider society’s biggest challenges.

Instead, issues like increased violence and crime, immigration and integration have moved up on the list of youth’s top concerns. Climate change is now listed as number six.

However, several experts think the trend could just as easily turn. "Environmental interest come and goes in cycles," explains Professor Bernt Aardal. Youth’s interest depends on what kind of drama and attention that surrounds the topic, he explains. "Young people don’t have strong political ties to certain parties or standpoints, and are more open towards what’s happening in the moment."

"Right now I think it’s the financial crisis," said Igor Pesic when Aftenposten asked him what his main concern was at the moment. "It’s acute, and even if it doesn’t concern us, it concerns large parts of Europe." Climate change could be an even bigger challenge long term, but I guess it’s not that urgent, he explains.

Silje Lundberg, head of the organization Nature and Youth, doesn’t think it’s the way youth prioritize that’s the problem: "The problem is that the environment and climate is not a bigger priority among politicians." When politicians no longer take it seriously, youth won’t either, she tells Aftenposten.

(Aftenposten)

Julie Ryland