Seven out of ten young people would like to have an electric car when they are old enough to drive, according to a survey conducted by the Energy Institute.
The poll on energy and climate change of 1,300 seven to 19-year-olds from across the UK, who attended the Big Bang Fair of science and engineering, showed 70 per cent wanted to drive an electric car.
And 80 per cent of the young people surveyed said they would like renewables to be the largest component in the future electricity mix.
Reflecting earlier surveys which emphasise the centrality of environmental issues among young peoples’ concerns, the survey showed 95 per cent of those polled do not believe adults are doing enough to tackle the damaging effects of climate change.
The “Energy Superheroes” poll’s other headline findings show 70 per cent think about climate change a lot and take action about it in their daily life. And 38 per cent would like a job in which they can make a difference in energy or climate science.
Louise Kingham, chief executive of the Energy Institute, said: “These findings reveal a switched-on generation ready and willing to take responsibility for humankind’s impact on the planet.
“Not only do the majority already take action on climate change in their daily lives and favour low carbon solutions on the electricity grid and on the roads, but more than a third of them express an interest in a career in energy and climate change.”