Youth ‘crash’ analysis: Road out of recession is green

Whilst two-thirds of the 18-35 year olds surveyed believe we are still in the eye of the financial storm, a majority saw a bright future in the green economy. 67% of Britons and 85% of Italians called for measures to support companies investing in renewable energy and new technologies, and thought the green economy offered the best road towards recovery.

1,500 young Britons and Italians were polled as part of the survey conducted in advance of an Anglo-Italian conference to discuss key issues facing their countries today.

“Whilst young people feel let down by their governments’ responses to the financial crisis, they are sending a clear message that the green economy offers a major opportunity for recovery,” said Christine Melia, Director of British Council Italy.  “As an organisation which works with passionate climate campaigners globally, we at the British Council know young people want to see real action at the highest level on this issue. As politicians and economists gather for this conference, they need to heed the findings of this report and listen to what the next generation, which inherits the consequences of their actions, wants.”

The survey, published ahead of the British Council’s 17th 'Pontignano' Anglo-Italian conference, reveals that the crash has “directly impacted” on at least 6 out of 10 young people (Britons 60%, Italians 67%), with more Italians than Britons (71% vs 54%) afraid of losing their job. 

Young people thought the EU (26% of Britons, 21% of Italians) and the US (29% of Britons, 21% of Italians) would contribute most to overcoming the crisis globally. Most respondents felt China, India and Arab countries would be most likely to seize opportunities presented by the new economic situation.

The Pontignano conference, organised by the British Council and the British Embassy in Rome, will take place in Rome.  Chaired by Chris Patten and Giuliano Amato, the conference brings together leading politicians, journalists and economists, and will this year be discussing 'After the Crash'. Major speakers will include UK Justice Secretary Jack Straw, former EU commissioner Emma Bonino, author James Kynge and broadcaster Jon Snow.

For more information or to arrange an interview with Christine Melia, British Council Director Italy, please contact Sorcha Clifford on 020 7389 4889.

Notes to Editor

Download a full copy of the survey.

*A press conference to present the survey results will take place in Italy at 1500hrs, September 18th.

The British Council

Marking 75 years in 2009, the British Council is the UK’s international cultural relations body. Last year the British Council engaged face-to-face with 13.2 million people and reached 221 million. The British Council is a non-political organisation, working in over 100 countries worldwide to build engagement and trust for the UK through programmes which support intercultural dialogue, the UK’s creative and knowledge economies and help to tackle climate change

• The Pontignano Conference will be held in Rome from the 18th-20th September.

• The survey was conducted by CAWI (Computer Assisted Web Interview) polling 1,500 interviewees -  750 from both Italy and the UK. Respondents were aged between 18-35.

• For the first time, the XVII edition of the Pontignano conference will take place in Rome at the Villa Wolkonsky, the residence of the ambassador Edward Chaplin. It is jointly organised by the British Council and the British embassy in Rome, in collaboration with the Italian embassy in London, the University of Siena and St. Antony’s College, Oxford.

• After analysis of the effects of climate change on the political, economic and social fabric of society in 2007 and discussion on changing identities in 2008, the global economic and financial crisis will be at the centre of this year’s debate.