Over half of Arab youth say they will boycott brands that damage the environment

More than half of young Arabs (56 per cent) have confirmed that they are concerned about climate change, and a similar number will boycott a brand that is seen to be operating in a way that is detrimental to the environment, a survey has revealed.

The region’s youth is keen to ensure governments and businesses act responsibly when it comes to climate action. Nearly two-third (63 per cent) of GCC youth are willing to boycott a brand that does not respect the environment followed by over half (56 per cent) of young Arabs in North Africa and 51 per cent in the Levant, the 13th annual ASDA’A BCW Arab Youth Survey has revealed.

For the survey, 3,400 face-to-face interviews were conducted with the Arab youth aged between 18 and 24 across 50 cities and territories in 17 states in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region from June 6-30, 2021.

More than two fifths (43 per cent) of the respondents feel Arab governments should be doing more than other countries to address climate change. Further, 37 per cent think their government have the same responsibility as others globally, and only 20 per cent say their government should be doing less than peers.

A majority of 79 per cent of youth in the GCC strongly feel their government is capable of driving effective climate change mitigation measures, while 43 per cent and 26 per cent in North Africa and the Levant region respectively feel their governments will be capable of dealing with climate change issues.

In recent times, regional economies and corporate entities have undertaken clear initiatives to protect the environment. The UAE announced a Net Zero 2050 Strategic Initiative to reduce carbon emissions.

Read: UAE reveals Net Zero 2050 Strategic Initiative

Saudi Arabia also announced that it aims to reach Net Zero by 2060 through a carbon circular economy approach.

Read more: Saudi Arabia aims to achieve net zero emissions by 2060

Sunil John, president, MENA, BCW and founder of ASDA’A BCW, said: “In 2008, during the inaugural Arab Youth Survey, just 11 per cent of youth surveyed felt climate change and the environment were the biggest challenges facing the world. Fast forward 13 years, and climate change dominates the youth agenda, with 56 per cent saying they are concerned by the issues. This is an eye-opener for governments and private enterprises in the region on the urgent need to embrace positive climate action.

“While Arab youth are voicing their concern about climate change, the majority seem to have trust in a combination of government initiatives, technological advancement and individual action to help drive the climate action agenda.”