New Global Poll Reveals Student Perceptions on AI and Climate Change
The latest findings from a survey carried out for the International Baccalaureate (IB) by Public First revealed that young people in IB schools are positive about their future but pessimistic about the future of the planet.
The poll, conducted between 17 November and 18 December 2023, was developed and analyzed by Public First, a public policy research agency. Distributed by teachers, the poll collected more than 10,000 responses from students aged 13-18 across the globe who attend a school that offers IB. One-third were state-funded schools (37%), nearly half were tuition-based (46%), and 17% were unsure.
The results reveal key takeaways for its two major themes: climate change and Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Students in North America and South America were also more likely than those in Europe to be concerned about climate change, yet students in other parts of the world were equally likely as students in Europe to be concerned about climate change.
Among the findings, 72% of young people in IB schools are positive about their future, and the future of their community, but 51% are pessimistic, fearing humans will not be able to avert the worst effects of climate change. Young people with the highest understanding of climate change were most likely to be very worried about it.
Young women were more concerned about climate change than young men by 7%, but across the board, young people are pessimistic about human willingness to curb the impact of climate. Pessimism for the future of climate change was generally higher in more affluent countries. Across the globe, 70% of young people are confident that their voices are not sufficiently heard in the climate change debate.
When it comes to AI, 82% of young people know what AI is and think that they could explain it while 77% of young people have used an AI chatbot. Those who have used AI chatbots before are the most likely to feel positive. Young people were confident that the use of AI in their education is both inevitable and a good thing.
The research reveals that students are enthusiastic about AI’s role in education and innovation, expressing optimism for their futures. They also express concerns about climate change, calling for action to address these issues and create a sustainable, inclusive future.
