2003 Environmental Youth Study

In the summer of 2003, the LCV Education Fund and the Center for Environmental Citizenship commissioned the Cosgrove Group to conduct ten focus groups with young people between the ages of 18-24, to gain a better understanding of their generation’s impressions of the environment and the environmental movement.

This research was intended to inform the strategies and messages of environmental organizations and to enhance the ability of those groups to mobilize young people in support of their campaigns.  As the report shows, the environment emerges as a key concern among young voters, and environmental activists cannot afford to take that support for granted.  The report reflects the findings of a qualitative research project conducted during the summer of 2003 among young Americans, who support pro-environment measures but who have been mostly inactive on the issue.  Representing a range of political ideologies, demographics, and socioeconomic backgrounds, our research shows that while young people maintain positive normative principles of environmental protection, these principles are not necessarily as deeply held as many assume, and they can be influenced by anti-environment interests.

View the full Report here. (250 kb PDF)