Recent findings reveal that a large portion of Spanish youths, about 84 percent, participated in a survey, with a sample of 4210 individuals aged 16 to 30 residing in Spain. The study, titled The Future Climate 2022, was presented to members of the Congress of Deputies this Thursday. It indicates that many young people anticipate a future that could be worse than the one their parents faced because of climate change and environmental pressures, reflecting a palpable concern about the trajectory of climate policy and its real-life consequences.
The report compiles the perspectives of young climate activists and lawmakers from various parliamentary groups, outlining how Spain’s youth perceive the climate crisis and the governance surrounding it. It also includes concrete recommendations that young people believe should guide policy and action, presenting a call for tangible changes alongside ideation about future strategies.
Among the key takeaways is a strong commitment to personal action. Activist Carmen Huidobro, who helped organize Climabar, summarized the sentiment: the majority are ready to embrace individual changes so that structural transformations can continue to unfold. This upriver of personal responsibility signals a broader sense that incremental steps at the individual level are essential to unlocking systemic reform.
In practical terms, the survey shows notable support for behavioral shifts in daily life. About 93.7 percent of respondents expressed satisfaction with taking longer, more leisurely trips using less polluting transportation modes. They also leaned toward re-embracing a Mediterranean-style diet, favoring legumes and vegetables while reducing meat consumption, as part of a broader pivot toward sustainable eating habits that align with climatic goals.
Moreover, three out of four respondents, or 77.5 percent, indicated they would choose lower-carbon foods if the state made such options more accessible and affordable. This demonstrates a willingness to alter consumption patterns when policy structures and socioeconomic conditions make sustainable choices easier for everyone to adopt.
Nonetheless, there is a noticeable undercurrent of eco-anxiety. While the desire for change persists, many young people doubt their ability to secure a hopeful future under the current energy and food paradigms. They ask for significant economic reforms to accompany environmental policy, signaling a demand for a stronger, more coherent approach to climate governance that can deliver both ecological and economic resilience.
Experts and activists emphasize the seriousness of the financial backdrop. The sentiment is that the current economic climate compounds the climate challenge, painting a very negative collective dream if robust policies are not implemented. The sense of strain and urgency among youth reflects a demand for ambitious, well-supported measures that address both climate risks and the livelihoods of vulnerable groups.
When it comes to policy impact, a large portion of respondents—45.4 percent—believe that present climate strategies will likely worsen their lives, and 90.7 percent acknowledge that these measures have yet to curtail global warming effectively. The concern is that the burden will fall hardest on low-income communities, underscoring the need for climate policies that are equitable and inclusive, with targeted protections for those most at risk from climate-related costs and disruptions.
During the presentation, deputies from the Congressional Commission on Ecological Transition participated alongside advocates who urged broader political engagement. Encouragement came from the coordinator of a green alliance who stressed the importance of cross-partisan participation and ambitious public climate policies, coupled with vigorous activism to ensure accountability and progress beyond talk and into action.
Across the data, a clear pattern emerges: a strong willingness among young people to engage in politics and civic life. About 76.1 percent believe their participation can lead to meaningful changes in the climate fight. This readiness to contribute is paired with a demand for more aggressive climate actions and a belief that youth voices must shape policy choices and implementation strategies.
When asked about the role of big emitters, an overwhelming 96 percent of respondents agreed that the most polluting companies should contribute more in taxes than those with lighter ecological footprints. Yet, a sizable minority—45.2 percent—fear that United Nations climate summits, such as COP meetings, are largely symbolic and fail to translate into tangible progress on the ground. This sentiment highlights a gap between international discourse and real-world outcomes, a gap that young people are eager to see closed through concrete commitments and accountability mechanisms.
Looking ahead, lawmakers from diverse political backgrounds—alongside youth leaders—appealed for continued optimism. They urged young people to stay involved in political life and to push for practical, effective climate policies that can address eco-anxiety rather than merely dampen it. The overarching message is one of disciplined hope: with the right policies, collaborative action, and sustained political engagement, young Spaniards see a path toward a more stable and sustainable future.