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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Climate change is globally recognized as a critical concern, impacting socioecological systems, and requiring urgent societal interventions. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) warns of an exceeding 1.5°C rise in global temperatures by 2040, leading to catastrophic social and environmental consequences. These climatic disruptions include increased land and ocean temperatures, frequent heatwaves, heightened precipitation events, and drought risks. Such changes affect ecosystems worldwide, leading to biodiversity loss, ecosystem restructuring, and
declining ecosystem services. Climate change threatens human systems by stressing agriculture, forestry, fisheries, and aquaculture sectors, leading to food scarcity, elevated prices, and economic drawbacks. Health risks due to climate change encompass disease spread, nutritional deficiencies, and heightened health risks during extreme weather events.

For the Mediterranean region, where Albania is located, unique biodiversity and socio-cultural attributes are increasingly vulnerable to climate adversities. The area has experienced a 1.5°C rise in surface temperatures, intensifying climatic extremes like heatwaves, droughts, and floods, affecting ecosystems and human activities. Albania has seen notable climatic shifts over the past decade, characterized by increasing temperatures and rainfall patterns, leading to amplified risks of storms, floods, and wildfires. Such fluctuations impact sectors like agriculture, water, energy, and health. While Albania has legislated to address climate change and drafted strategies to mitigate its
effects, areas remain for improvement, such as enhanced access to climate information and improved monitoring mechanisms. Reports of the country’s climate strategy underline agriculture and biodiversity as especially vulnerable areas, with shifts in temperature and precipitation posing challenges to crop yields and ecosystem diversity.

The aim of this study was to explore how children and young people in Albania articulate environmental knowledge, their level of concern about climate change, their level of understanding of the consequences and impact on their lives, and their level of preparedness for climate change disasters. In addition to listening to the voices of children and young people, this research also explored how perceptions of climate change vary across different generations.

Through a mixed-method design, this research delved into the perceptions of climate change among children, adolescents, and young people in Albania. Using qualitative key informant interviews and quantitative surveys, data was gathered from a convenient sample representing diverse communities where World Vision has active programs.

We have obtained several pivotal insights into the perceptions and understandings of climate change among various age groups in Albania. These key findings shed light on the current state of climate awareness and action and underscore areas that demand attention and intervention.

Knowledge on Climate Change

Albania’s children, adolescents, and young people exhibit varying degrees of knowledge and concern about climate change. While children have a moderate understanding, adolescents and young adults demonstrate a progressively more profound insight into the issue. All age groups express concern about the direct impacts of climate change on daily life.

• 46% of children, 41% of adolescents and 42% of young people have limited, moderate, and extensive knowledge of climate change.
• 50% of children report being unconcerned, and 34% are concerned about climate change, with predominant concerns being unpredictable weather and direct health threats.
• 50% of adolescents are alarmed about climate change, with predominant concerns: direct impacts on daily life and potential societal ramifications.
• 52% of young people are alarmed about climate change, with predominant concerns: biodiversity loss, health threats, and broad climatic changes.

Children, adolescents, and young people in Albania primarily acquire knowledge about climate change from teachers, supplemented by media, family members, and books. While children value hands-on activities at school, adolescents are influenced by global activism, and young people merge classroom learning with extracurricular seminars. However, across the board, there is a gap in understanding the psychological implications of climate change.

Children, adolescents, and young people display varying depths in understanding human-induced climate change. Children focus on visible daily contributors like waste and transport. Adolescents extend their understanding of industry impacts, including construction. Young adults emphasize electricity production and broader systemic causes. As age increases, so does the complexity of their perspectives.

• 86.2% of children identify waste incineration as the most significant contributor to climate change, followed by heating (64.7%) and transport (63.3%).
• 92.2% of adolescents identify the industry sector contribution and 91.6% waste incineration as the most significant contributor to climate change, followed by transport (84.8%).
• 93.4% of young people identify the industry sector contribution and 90.6% of waste incineration as the most significant contributor to climate change, followed by electricity production (81.3%).

Every age group recognizes the detrimental effects of climate change. Children notice tangible shifts in their environment, adolescents connect these changes to broader societal implications, and young adults, with their broader perspective, understand the global consequences of climate impact. The concern grows from immediate observations in childhood to a comprehensive understanding in adulthood.

• Children perceive the immediate impacts of climate change on illness (55.7%), land deterioration (41%), and malnutrition (40.6%).
• Adolescents see climate change as having an immediate impact on illness (53.6%), malnutrition (47.4%), and mental health, with anxiety (61.5%) and sleep problems (40.6%) being significant concerns.
• Young people see a lifelong impact of climate change on malnutrition (41.4%), illness (50%), and limited health service capacity (53.6%). Mental health concerns are articulated by young people, including depression (40.3%), anxiety (47.6%), and sleep problems (50.8%).

Across three age groups in Albania, climate change mitigation solutions are clearly understood. While children predominantly recognize the benefits of recycling and water conservation activities, adolescents fully grasp diverse mitigation areas, including renewable energy and sustainable fashion. Young adults emphasize the interconnectedness of personal actions with broader societal impacts.

• Children put significant emphasis on the benefits of walking/cycling (46.4%), recycling (48.6%), and rational water use (44.6%). They also recognize the significant impact of reducing plastic use.
• Adolescents have strong recognition of the benefits of walking and cycling (57.5% and 60.3%), recycling (68.3%), and tree planting (75%). They acknowledge solar panels and energy-efficient lighting as impactful solutions. There is a need for awareness around sustainable fashion and the importance of donating clothes.
• Young people favour activities like walking and cycling (50% and 56.1%), recycling (53.8%), and tree planting (64.6%) and acknowledge the role of solar panels in cities and waste reduction methods such as composting.

Practices and actions to mitigate climate change

Children to young adults display a passionate commitment to climate action. Children advocate for collective responsibility, adolescents combine personal convictions with calls for systemic change, and young adults stress shared responsibility while constrained by societal inaction. A unanimous call emerges despite varying perspectives: “Climate change is everyone’s battle.”

• Across all age groups, personal beliefs serve as a notable driving force (42.2% to 81.1%).
• The love for wildlife resonates strongly with 74.7% of children, 66.7% of adolescents, and 83% of young people as a motivator.
• A sense of social responsibility is prevalent, with 58.1% of adolescents and 77.4% of young people.
• Adolescents (45.5%) and young people (75%) feel inhibited by the belief that they cannot bring about meaningful change.
• 50% of children, 36.8% of adolescents, and 37.5 % of young people express a “not my job” sentiment regarding their willingness to engage with climate change initiatives.

Albanian younger generations actively participate in environmental preservation, with high engagement across age groups. Children are inclined towards eco-friendly transportation and energy conservation but lag in waste sorting and plastic abstinence. Adolescents favour walking and organic food consumption and are potential environmental advocates but seek more institutional support. Young adults lean towards walking, waste sorting, and organic diets, yet face challenges in community engagement and need more robust support systems. Across all age groups, there’s a strong call for unity in combatting climate change and a perceived need for greater involvement from all sectors of society.

• High participation in eco-friendly transportation, with many opting to walk, was reported by 81.2% of children, 91.6% of adolescents, and 91% of young people.
• Children put a strong emphasis on water conservation (88%) and energy-saving practices (85.5%), adolescents on water consumption (80.9%) and energy efficiency (71.8%), and young people on donating clothes (73.1%) and water conservation (71.6%).
• Children report limited engagement in waste sorting (64.1%) and avoiding plastic bags (49.6%).
• Adolescents and young people report bicycling to the highest rare or non-practice rate, respectively 61.8% and 37.3%.

Disaster preparedness varies across age groups, with young adults exhibiting the most readiness. Children and adolescents lag, particularly in evacuation practices and having family emergency plans. Education is universally recognized as vital for preparedness, yet its practical impact needs to be more consistent.

• 19.6% of children, 25.9% of adolescents, and 38.2% of young people lack specific disaster preparedness measures.
• Education is a significant influencer in preparedness, with 49.5% of children, 57.3% of adolescents, and 65% of young people acknowledging its role.
• 44.8% of young people, 43.8% of adolescents, and 33% of children possess a disaster kit.

Mental health and climate emotions

The pervasive impact of climate change isn’t just ecological but also deeply emotional, especially among the young. Across all age groups, feelings of worry, sadness, and helplessness dominate. Children’s problems are grounded in tangible experiences, like recent earthquakes. Adolescents oscillate between anxiety, fueled by the grim realities, and relief from solution-based discussions. The youth express frustration over perceived inaction but find comfort in collective discussions and efforts. The emotional toll underscores the importance of active engagement and support in tackling climate anxiety.

• 79.6% of young people, 77% of adolescents, and 62.9% of children feel “sad” about climate change.
• Feelings of “helplessness” are widespread across all age groups (60% of young people, 50% of adolescents and 51.9% of children)
• 54.5% of young people, 48.1% of adolescents, and 44.2% of children remain “optimistic” despite the pressing concerns.
• 55.2% of young people, 35.5% of adolescents, and 45.2% of children express feeling powerless toward climate change.
• Climate activists inspire many young people and find solace in group discussions.

Perception of response to climate change

Across all age groups, there is a prevalent sentiment of being overlooked in climate change concerns. While a significant proportion find government actions inadequate, there is also a notable trust in the government’s commitment to protecting the youth. Adolescents and young individuals both stress the need for definitive action, education, and awareness campaigns led by the government to address the climate crisis.

Adolescents and young people believe NGOs are crucial in addressing climate change, emphasizing the direct engagement with the youth for their opinions and ideas which include surveys and climate-oriented group activities. They believe child-focused NGOs should raise awareness, foster youth groups, and drive initiatives related to climate change. The crucial role of NGOs as a bridge between youth and policymakers is also stressed, ensuring young voices are heard at higher decision-making platforms.

• 59.3% of young people, 37% of adolescents, and 28.6% of children report distress over their concerns being dismissed about the government’s response to climate concerns.
• 44.9% of children, 25.3% of adolescents, and 41.8% of young adults believe that the government’s actions regarding the climate crisis are inadequate.
• Despite the skepticism, 58.6% of children, 47.6% of adolescents, and 37.3% of young adults expressed trust in the government‘s commitment to shielding the youth from climate impacts.
• The role of media, incentives for sustainable businesses, and tighter environmental controls are seen as essential measures the government should pursue.
• Adolescents and young people want NGOs to seek their opinions on climate change through various mediums actively.
• Child-focused NGOs should prioritize awareness campaigns and implement projects that support youth in addressing climate challenges.
• NGOs are seen as potential bridges between youth concerns and policy-making entities, emphasizing the importance of youth voices in decisions related to climate change.

The intergenerational perception of climate change

Caregivers express deep concern over the ongoing climate crisis, pinpointing unbridled human consumption and a lack of tangible action as critical problems. Economic challenges often push climate concerns to the back burner. However ,there’s a call for global collaboration and unity. In addressing the crisis, caregivers stress personal accountability, instilling sustainable habits in children, community involvement, continuous education, and provision of resources as pivotal strategies. They see their role as mentors for the younger generation.

• Caregivers identify human activities, especially in industrialized societies, as the primary cause of environmental degradation.
• Frustration exists due to a need for more tangible action and positive role models in the fight against climate change.
• Economic constraints often overshadow concerns about climate change, making immediate survival a priority for many.
• Leading by example is vital; caregivers focus on personal sustainability habits and instill these in the younger generation.
• Caregivers highlight the role of education and constant awareness in addressing the climate crisis, with institutions like families and schools as crucial conduits.
• There’s a call for increased access to resources and opportunities, promoting awareness, actionable projects, and grants to support climate initiatives.

Based on the findings, World Vision calls on local and national stakeholders in Albania to prioritize and amplify the voices and concerns of children, adolescents, and young people in all climate action strategies and policies. World Vision Albania recommends and advocates for the following actions:

Education and information of the public:

• Integrate interactive climate change modules in school curriculums.
• Organize regular school workshops and study visits on sustainable practices.
• Encourage student-led climate change clubs and initiatives.
• Offer training for teachers on climate science and sustainable practices.
• Develop public awareness campaigns on climate change tailored to various age demographics.

Adolescents and Youth Engagement:

• Engage children, adolescents, and youth representatives in national climate strategy discussions.
• Foster platforms where caregivers and younger generations discuss climate change, facilitating the exchange of experiences, perspectives, and knowledge.
• Provide grants for youth-led climate action projects.

Mental health awareness related to climate change:

• Include the emotional and psychological impacts of climate change in health education.
• Facilitate community-led support groups addressing climate anxiety.

Accountability and transparency toward the public:

• Enhance transparency in government-led environmental projects through regularly updating the public on progress.
• Encourage media houses to provide regular updates on climate action.

Environmental conservation and urban sustainability initiatives:

• Prioritize reforestation and afforestation initiatives.
• Develop community gardens and promote urban agriculture.
• Design urban areas to be more resilient to rising temperatures.

Sustainable business practices:

• Support local businesses engaged in sustainable practices (implementing green practices and growing environmental responsibility).
• Enhance waste management systems and promote recycling.
• Provide incentives for renewable energy installations.