The poll was conducted between July and September 2023, and was part of a global UNICEF initiative involving 771,000 children and young people from 59 countries. This concerted action through the U-Report platform is the result of UNICEF's collaboration with YOUNGO, the official network of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), and the COP28 Youth Climate Champions, in order to listen to the voices of thousands of children and young people for a fair and sustainable future.
Specifically in Greece, a total of 422 U-Reporters took part in the poll. Most of the respondents (60%) were between 15-19 years, while 16% belonged to the 20-24 age group. Girls participated more actively, representing more than half (65%) of respondents.
Through a series of questions on the U-Report Greece platform, the children and young people who participated shared their opinions on the education they received at school about dealing with climate change, while they also shared ideas on ways they can influence climate policies in their country. According to the results, 55% of children consider that they do not receive adequate education to deal with the climate crisis, while only 22% stated that they have learned enough about climate change at school. 60% consider that they can contribute to improving Greece's climate policies, however, only 10% feel they know how this could be done.
Sending her own message to world leaders attending COP28, a 15-year-old U-Reporter from Thessaly states:
"Political leaders - it's time to act now without considering financial interests. It is time for the planet to unite to save its home. Education and investment in education will give new vision to young people, to recreate a healthier planet.”
A 17-year-old U-Reporter from Attica also emphasizes that:
"It is important that all of us realize the need to act immediately and not be satisfied with theoretical solutions only. Because, after all, every disaster in the natural environment has direct consequences for us, our health and our quality of life."
The results of the poll informed the Global Youth Declaration and will be presented during COP28, providing a unique opportunity for the voices of children and young people to be heard by world leaders.
See the detailed results of the poll for Greece here.
