Fundação EDP study finds Portuguese youth alarmed yet limited in climate action

A study titled “Perceções dos Jovens Portugueses sobre Alterações Climáticas e Sustentabilidade”, conducted by Fundação EDP in partnership with The Equator Company, surveyed 1,000 Portuguese residents aged 18 to 25. The research shows that 86 % of respondents attribute climate change primarily to human activity and 84 % believe it will affect their future lives. While 80 % say they are willing to change personal behaviours, the average number of sustainability measures adopted is only five, with 46 % reporting four or fewer actions.

When asked who should lead the fight against climate change in Portugal, young people placed the national government first, the European Union second and the United Nations third, highlighting a view that systemic policy decisions are essential. Despite high concern, participants feel powerless: only 16 % have volunteered for environmental causes, 12 % are involved in local groups and 8 % have taken part in protests, with 38 % reporting no involvement at all. Their main information sources are television (52 %), social media (51 %) and online searches (45 %). The study notes a gap in school curricula regarding the economic, technological and professional dimensions of climate action. Vanda Martins, director of Social Innovation at Fundação EDP, stresses the challenge of turning this awareness into concrete, accessible actions.