The latest African Youth Survey reveals a growing environmental consciousness among Africa’s youth, with climate change emerging as a critical concern that shapes their view of the future. The findings paint a picture of a generation that not only understands the gravity of climate threats but is actively working to address them.
A Growing Concern
Over three-quarters of African youth express concern about climate change, with more than half being “very concerned” about its impacts. This worry isn’t abstract – approximately 70% believe climate change will directly affect them personally, their communities, and future generations. Beyond immediate environmental impacts, many young Africans recognize climate change as a potential trigger for resource-based conflicts, particularly around water and farmland access.
The survey reveals that youth concerns span multiple environmental challenges. Water security remains a critical issue, with 40% of youth spending a quarter or more of their income on clean water access. While plastic waste concerns remain high at 71%, there are some positive indicators, such as improving satisfaction with recycling infrastructure.
A Call for Government Action
Despite high levels of concern and awareness, there’s a clear disconnect between youth expectations and governmental action. 81% of young Africans believe their governments should be doing more to address climate change, and less than half are satisfied with current efforts. When surveyed, youth said they wanted to see more government action across a range of areas:
- Adoption of green energy sources (80% support)
- Protection of food and water supplies (79% support)
- Reduction of carbon emissions (78% support)
When it comes to international climate action, African youth slightly favor pushing for broader international consensus over quick action by smaller groups of countries. This suggests a preference for comprehensive, sustainable solutions rather than piecemeal approaches.
Youth Activism
Perhaps most encouraging is the emergence of youth environmental leadership and action. Approximately two-thirds of African youth say they are actively working to reduce their carbon footprint and supporting environmental causes, with this grassroots momentum suggesting a generation unwilling to wait for institutional change.
“Of all the world’s youth, Africans offer perhaps the most principle call for action today, because they are the least responsible for the carbon emissions that drive climate change, yet they are also the most adversely impacted by its increasingly violent and disruptive effects,” Ivor Ichikowitz, the Founder and Executive Chairman of the Ichikowitz Family Foundation, observed, adding: “As key players gather for the COP 29, there is a moral obligation to heed these voices as an urgent, clarion call for realizing bold, necessary and accountable goals, without further delay.”
Looking Forward
The survey identifies several key barriers to climate progress. Youth attribute the failure to meet global warming targets to:
- Too much focus on consensus building rather than action
- Individual government inaction
- Low international interest in addressing the issue
However, there’s also evidence of progress. Satisfaction with recycling infrastructure continues to rise, and youth are increasingly engaged in environmental causes. While environmental challenges were not seen as the most impactful events of the past five years, their perceived importance, while small, has nearly doubled since 2022 (from 5% to 9% saying it’s the most important issue of the past five years. It remains well behind the top issue, infectious disease, at 39%.). This growing recognition is also reflected in youth priorities for Africa’s future progress – the proportion citing climate change as a key priority for progress in the African Continent has risen steadily from 4% in 2020 to 6% in 2022 and now 10% in 2024.
The message from African youth is clear: they want more aggressive climate action and are ready to be part of the solution. As Africa faces mounting environmental challenges, from water scarcity to extreme weather events, its youth are positioning themselves as agents of change.
The question now is whether institutions and governments will match their urgency and commitment to creating meaningful change. With Africa being one of the regions most vulnerable to climate change impacts, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
The Ichikowitz Family Foundation’s African Youth Survey provides a valuable and unique voice to youth from across the Continent – it is the most comprehensive study in Africa that focuses solely on the attitudes, aspirations, hopes, and dreams of youth. It has captured the perspective of more than 14,300 youth across 25 countries in three waves of research since 2020.
The full report is available here.
For more information, please contact Cole Ryan at [email protected]