The new generation argued that the climate crisis threatens the future of people. According to a study conducted by the researchers of Istanbul Bilgi University Environment, Energy and Sustainability Application and Research Center (ÇESUAM) with the support of the Kızbaşına Platform and the British Council, there are several factors that affect the support given by the youth to the decision to increase their water bills by 20% in the fight against the water crisis.
The climate and water crisis threatens the food security and living conditions of billions of people. As a result of this situation, climate migration is inevitable if precautions are not taken. Since Turkey is located in the Mediterranean Basin, it is shown among the countries that will be most affected by climate change.
A comprehensive field research was carried out in order to enable young people to contribute to the solution of these problems, to learn their perspectives and to measure their awareness. Istanbul Bilgi University Environment, Energy and Sustainability Application and Research Center Director Prof. Dr. Ayşe Uyuranoğlu, Faculty of Business Administration, Lecturer. Member Assoc. Dr. Serda Selin Öztürk and Edinburgh University’s Dr. Uğur Özdemir, 900 young people between the ages of 18-35, what they think about the problems related to these, including climate and water crisis migrations, what they can do to prevent the water crisis, and what they understand about being economically strong were examined. The data obtained from the fieldwork conducted in March 2021, which is a part of the “Nature is Searching for Women’s Saviors” project carried out by the researchers of Istanbul Bilgi University Environment, Energy and Sustainability Application and Research Center (ÇESUAM) and Kızbaşına Platform with the support of the British Council, has been announced.
Climate change affects the future
Istanbul Bilgi University Environment, Energy and Sustainability Application and Research Manager Prof. Dr. Ayşe Uyuranoğlu talked about some of the results of the research as follows: “The rate of those who believe that climate change threatens the future of people is 93 percent. The rate of people who believe that people can do something about the climate crisis is 90 percent. The rate of those who believe that people can do something about the climate crisis. The countries that have solved the water crisis and provided food security The rate of those who think that the most important effect of the climate change problem is extreme weather events, including floods and drought, is 48 percent. The rate of those who consider water pollution as the most important environmental problem is 46 percent. The young generation is more sensitive to environmental problems compared to previous generations. The rate of those who think is 40 percent.”
Protecting the environment becomes a priority
With econometric modeling based on this data, the researchers also examined what positively affected the decisions of those who supported a 20 percent increase in the water bill. According to the results obtained from the model, those who think that the countries that provide water and food security will provide economic power in the future, support the increase in water bills. Individuals who experience water shortages and individuals who have a water footprint support the increase in water bills for the protection of water resources. The results of the research show that accurate information and negative experiences about water shortage are important to protect water resources. Protection of the environment is one of the priority targets for people with increasing incomes and no financial difficulties. This shows that the postmaterialist approach is also supported by the findings of this research.