Youth Awareness and Engagement in Green Transition - Field Research in Croatia

In many scientific fields, research is conducted in laboratories, exclusively within the academic community, regardless of how applicable the results of the work are to the wider public. By implementing certain new technologies with multiple benefits, including independent use and management by citizens, we encounter a series of challenges. Such challenges are often associated with awareness of the need for change, particularly regarding climate change, which is undeniably present and still does not sufficiently encourage citizens to engage in green transition efforts. In this context, the Green Deal emerges as a key initiative aiming to transform the European Union into a sustainable, just, and prosperous society, with the ultimate goal of achieving climate neutrality by 2050. Citizen science plays a crucial role in achieving this aspiration by enabling non-professional scientists, including youth, to actively contribute to scientific research and sustainable initiatives. This paper presents initial research aimed at assessing the level of awareness among high school-aged youth (17–19 years old) regarding climate change and their actions related to the implementation of the green transition in Croatia. The study found that 85% of respondents are aware of human responsibility for climate change with almost 80% expressing confidence in their ability to mitigate its effects. However, 62% of students do not associate their behavior with negative impacts and they do not think that their behavior affects climate change. Moreover, the conclusion is that most of them are not even aware of the activities they could implement by themselves and which reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This research provides conclusions and directions for further studies and the development of new approaches and methods for educating youth and engaging and encouraging citizens to take proactive action in climate-related activities.