Our research

Law, policy and the environment

We asked students for their views on issues related to the protection of the environment through law and policy, and through their own personal action.  Here's what they told us...

Over 2500 students in higher and further education told us they views on issues linked to environmental protection:

  • Climate change (27%), poverty (27%) and education (26%) are issues respondents felt senior politicians are not discussing enough.
  • Brexit (52%), immigration (36%) and conflict and wars (18%) are issues respondents feel have too much discussion devoted to them.
  • 50% think that when the UK leaves the EU, it should pass laws that offer the environment higher levels of protection than the current EU laws.
  • Climate change (49%) and reducing avoidable waste (47%) are seen as key issues that new environmental protection legislation should include.
  • 69% say they would be more likely to vote for a political party that increased action to protect the environment.
  • Most commonly reported actions linked to helping to protect the environment are signing a petition (58%) and taking personal action (55%).
  • 69% say there should be more opportunities for people like them to take action to help protect the environment.
  • 12% say they are part of a club or group that helps the environment outside of formal education.

Read the full report here.