Young people are among the strongest supporters of offshore wind while the majority are against fracking, a poll has shown.
An overwhelming 85% of 16-24 year olds support the development of offshore wind farms, the poll by Ipsos Mori found.
Less than half – 47% – within this age group are in favour of carbon capture and storage while just 42% support fracking.
The survey, commissioned by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (Bis) and the Economic and Social Research Council, showed that younger people are generally more supportive of offshore wind than adults of all ages.
The poll found that 76% of all adults support offshore wind, and 51% were in favour of carbon capture and storage.
The survey revealed 70% of 16-24s believe offshore wind has a positive effect on the UK’s economy compared to 58% of adults, whereas only 53% of youngsters thought that fracking would prove beneficial.
When asked which technology has a positive effect on tackling climate change, 78% of young people cited offshore wind compared to 60% of adults, whereas only 25% cited fracking.
Nick Medic, Director of Offshore Renewables at trade body RenewableUK, said: “It’s heartening to see fresh evidence of strong support for offshore wind energy among young people. This is an increasingly important technology for our future and it’s clear that the young people of Britain recognise this.
“As the UK is the world leader in this sector, the enthusiasm of this age group for offshore wind will help us to secure the enormous economic prize – something young people were also positive about.
“It’s partly to do with open-mindedness and better levels of awareness among young people.
“They view fossil fuels less favourably than renewables, and they’re right to do so, on the grounds of long-term cost as well as the damaging impact of high-carbon fuel sources on the environment.”
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