Potential business leaders of the future champion renewable energy

Research published today by the Youth Advisory Panel to the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC), shows huge support for renewable energy among young people, who are the future of UK business.

The 2050 Energy Pathways survey of 299 people under 29, showed that 94 per cent said that offshore wind was the "fairest" energy technology, with 81 per cent calling for onshore wind energy and 94 per cent supporting solar energy. This is compared to 2.2 per cent pledging support for coal energy.

These figures are part of a report, which calls for greater youth consultation on energy and climate change policy, since they will be the ones living with the impact of these policies. The report was drafted by young people between 16 and 25 years old who visited power stations, nuclear plants and projects promoting renewable energy sources to investigate the issues surrounding the switch to a low carbon economy.

"The report is the start of a sustainable long-term journey that will hopefully inspire all generations to be curious about the complexities and politics of the energy mix," said Mairi McInnes, Youth Panel member from Young Friends of Earth Scotland.
"DECC has given us a platform and a voice and in return we are committed to encouraging a movement among all generations in understanding our role within that energy mix."

Goals for the report
The report calls for three main changes: a fair deal for young people in the decision making process, active work to ensure the Government doesn’t pass policies that lock future generations into ecological debt, and continuing engagement in dialogue with the youth constituency to ensure that the youth perspective is heard.

"The decision to pursue any particular technology will define our future and as young people we have the opportunity to view these long-term decisions with a much increased sense of urgency and tangibility," said Tom Youngman, Youth Panel member from a Green Flag School in Bath.

"We do not want to inherit a diminished planet, as it often seems we are being asked to, and this is a huge step towards ensuring a sustainable and equitable future for our and subsequent generations."

The report is released during the UN climate talks in Cancun (Cop 16), which has stirred up youth support for climate change around the world. Though the talks are not expected to reach any binding agreement, UK Energy and Climate Change Minister Charles Hendry said it is important that the youth are reacting to sustainability issues and not waiting around for politicians to act.

"This report by DECC’s Youth Panel is a remarkable piece of work which gives a fresh perspective on our energy policies and I would like to thank the panel for the energy, enthusiasm and rigour with which they have approached this work," said Hendry. "I now invite other young people to get involved and continue the strong partnership between DECC and the next generation."

Economic impact
The report from the Youth Advisory Panel comes during the same week as research from the Prince’s Trust and the Royal Bank of Scotland states that youth unemployment is at an all time high.

The number of 16 to 24-year-olds who are claiming Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA) for 12 months or longer has increased fourfold since before the recession, jumping from 5,840 in 2008 to more than 25,800 this year. The massive rise has left the UK with a much higher youth jobless rate than many other European countries, including Germany, Denmark, Austria, Norway and the Netherlands.

This information strengthens the argument presented by the Youth Panel to invest in renewable energy for the sake of the economy and the environment, with the hope that such an investment would create jobs for some of the country’s unemployed youth.

"A million young people lost their jobs in the recession, crucial education and job-support schemes have been scrapped and they'll soon be priced out of going to university," said Brendan Barber, Trade Union Congress's general secretary. "It's no wonder young people are angry about being left high and dry by this Government."

Members of the Youth Panel urge their peers to take action to secure their future, both environmentally and economically.

"We hope to raise awareness and understanding within our networks, schools and universities about young people’s role in the energy mix," said Alice Hemming, Youth Panel Member from People & Planet. "This means talking about the fairness of energy technology with your friends, writing to your local MP and taking positive action in your community, school or university."