A recent survey unveils climate action as a pivotal factor for first-time voters (aged 18-22) in Maharashtra, ranking second among political candidate selection criteria. Conducted by Asar Social Impact Advisors, the Climate Educators Network (CEN), and CMSR Consultants across seven cities, including Mumbai and Pune, the study encompassed 1,600 respondents.
Notably, 52.2 per cent of participants advocated for climate education as the government’s most effective strategy to combat the climate crisis. The survey underscores the pressing need to integrate climate education into curricula, tailored to local contexts and students’ needs. Participants emphasised its potential to empower future decision-makers, nurturing a deeper understanding of climate change and instilling a sense of responsibility.
Bhagwan Kesbhat—founder of the Waatavaran Foundation—shared insights on the survey, stating, “Recurring climate concerns in the state, such as air pollution and severe summer droughts, have heightened awareness about the issue of climate change. Climate education can bridge the gap between awareness and action.” According to Kesbhat, a majority of respondents from Maharashtra (53 per cent) believe that integrating climate education into the curriculum empowers students to understand and address climate challenges, thus playing a crucial role, especially in schools. He advocated for mandatory climate education in schools and effective policy implementation across all levels of education.
The majority of respondents expressed predominantly negative sentiments towards climate change, ranging from feelings of hopelessness (30 per cent) and fear (29 per cent) to anger (11 per cent) and anxiousness (10 per cent). Conversely, only 20 per cent of respondents conveyed feelings of hope or optimism for the future. Meanwhile, 60 per cent of respondents believed that climate awareness is the most crucial topic that climate education should address, followed by climate justice (47 per cent) and adaptation (41 per cent). According to the survey report, 90 per cent of respondents identified the primary benefit of climate education as empowering students to comprehend and address climate challenges. Moreover, 46 per cent believed it would promote sustainable practices and foster a sense of global citizenship, while 42 per cent emphasised its role in cultivating environmental sensitivity.
The findings highlight the pivotal role of early climate and environmental education in shaping a generation equipped to tackle the climate crisis proactively. Participants stressed the significance of initiating environmental education at an early stage, advocating for its integration into school curricula to nurture responsible decision-makers and foster a deeper understanding of climate issues. As policymakers grapple with addressing the climate emergency, the survey underscores the imperative of prioritising climate education to empower the next generation with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate and mitigate environmental challenges effectively.
