According to the latest survey, the issue of climate change will influence the choice of political candidates or parties for first time voters in West Bengal. Before the Lok Sabha elections, voters demanded that candidates have basic environmental knowledge. They should include climate issues in their election agenda and address key environmental concerns.
This finding has emerged in the survey ‘Perceptions of first-time voters on climate education in India’ conducted by Asar Social Impact Advisors, Climate Educators Network and CMSR Consultants.
Young voters and climate change: Implications for policy and education.
A session on ‘Young Voters and Climate Change: Implications for Policy and Education’ in partnership with Earth Day Network and Switchon Foundation to share this survey and connect with youth in Kolkata and create a dialogue around it Was organized.
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A total of 1600 first-time voters from seven cities of Maharashtra, Delhi, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal participated in the survey. This survey was conducted in Kolkata and Asansol of West Bengal.
First time voters focused on this topic
First-time voters further reported that climate education and awareness programs (85.3%) emerged as the second most effective strategy to tackle the climate crisis after expanding sustainable transportation infrastructure (86.7%). The objective of the research was to assess the awareness, importance, satisfaction level and expectations regarding climate education among first-time voters.
In this regard, 79.8 percent of voters confirmed that they had received adequate information about the causes and consequences of climate change through education. However, during focus group discussions they revealed concerns about incomplete education, lack of importance for climate education, limited coverage and the gap between school and college education on climate change.
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Emphasis on starting environmental education in schools early
In West Bengal, 88 percent first-time voters said that they have integrated the knowledge of climate change into their daily life. The positive fact is that 65.8 percent of first-time voters said that incorporating climate education into learning systems is extremely important and will empower students as future decision makers and instill a deeper understanding of climate change and a sense of responsibility. To promote this, emphasis was laid on starting environmental education in schools early.
Climate education the cornerstone of tomorrow’s sustainability
Emphasizing that climate education for youth is the cornerstone of tomorrow’s sustainability, Ranjita Bhattacharya, Senior Program Manager, Switchon Foundation, said that by understanding the complexities of climate change, young individuals can develop the critical thinking needed to evaluate and advocate for sustainable solutions. Will be equipped with skills and knowledge.