Over the course of two years, 18 organisations from the fields of international youth work and environmental protection from China, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, United Kingdom and Turkey were involved in the project LEMOCC, working on the question how international youth work can be made more sustainable and environmentally friendly. The Finnish Youth Centres´ Association was one of the partners.
The study shows that practically all young people feel that climate change is serious. It also shows that internationally mobile young people are aware that travel has a noticeable impact on the climate.
Lemocc
The LEMOCC study had two parts. One was a standardised online survey aimed at young people aged 15 to 30. The second consisted of four focus group sessions with young people from all participating countries who discussed the link between youth mobility and climate change in depth. The data from both parts of the study were analysed and written up separately.
What young people demand
- It seems that most of the time, young people are not really listened to, not taken seriously or given the space to actually express their opinions. In politics, on a higher level, in global politics. It is mainly people above forty, fifty who are actually listened to.
- A lot of times, the old people educate the young ones, but maybe it works the other way around.
- We need a better public transportation infrastructure in rural areas.
- Students need to get a discount on public transport in all European cities!
- Good activities should be on offer for (young) people close to where they live. If that were to happen, people may want to travel less.
- Our travel habits in general need to change. Meeting with new people and keeping friendships alive can also be done virtually. Why not look for adventures (microadventures) right around the corner? And any long-distance travel should be done as sustainably as possible!
- Why does it have to be a choice? It might be already built into the price.
- Environmental education needs to start at primary school or kindergarten so it becomes natural rather than optional.
- You don’t have to ask us if there should be more climate friendly options.
- While you’re in the programmes, be mindful of your resources in general.
- Rather than talking about the theory, also the application is important. Content is important – and it should be taught in a more applicable way.
A total of 1,764 young people took part in the online survey. After database consolidation, the sample stood at 1,527 participants; all questionnaires had to be at least 65 % complete and have been filled in by young people indicating they were between 15 and 30 years of age.
Publications
Recommendations for a climate-sensitive learning mobility
Toolbox for more sustainability in International youth work