Taylor Yurasits: Why is it Important to Keep the Young Generation Involved?

With the election coming up in November, it is always important to consider politician's view on climate change when casting a vote. The young generation is beginning to learn about politics and deciding between becoming a democrat or a republican. Keeping the young involved is very important to act on the issues of climate change. Many people believe we are not truly aware of what is happening within or community, but that is false. In 2013 a climate change survey was conducted of 1000 students, concluding 70% of students were very concerned or fairly concerned about this worldwide issue. The British Science Association also conducted a survey showing about 63% of 18-24 year-old's have expressed high concern when relating to climate change. Professors and teachers in local high schools are bringing climate change more to classrooms to promote awareness. The video below shows how politicians have been viewing climate change. Although voting solely based on climate change is not ideal, it is very important to consider. Voting for a candidate who believes the issue is over funded or a conspiracy will cause the world to sink quick. In the 2014 election, 19.9% of the 18-24 year-old's have voted. Almost 20% of the voting population consists of the young, making it very crucial to keep the young generation involved. YouGov found 55% of the 18-24 year-old's agreed that the flooding in the UK was because of climate change. Having over half of the age group aware that climate change is real and increasing is imperative. Encouraging this age group to vote based upon climate change needs to start happening. Expressing concern as a group will be more effective when changing an issue worldwide, especially an extreme one, such as climate change. 

References:

http://civicyouth.org/quick-facts/youth-voting/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6J0FlkNdMio&feature=youtu.be

​http://www.climateaccess.org/sites/default/files/COIN_Young%20Voices.pdf