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It’s true that tech-savvy and committed young people can help companies become greener if marketers engage with them – they aspire to buy more sustainable products, and are the greatest hope for scaling up sustainable consumption. They are engaged in environmental issues and have a growing influence to change the world.

About 65% of youth in GCC states, 58% in North Africa, and 51% in the Levant say they’re ready to boycott brands that damage the environment, according to the 15th annual ASDA’A BCW Arab Youth Survey, which surveyed over 200 million Arab youth to evaluate their perceptions of climate change.

This comes amidst climate change concerns, with two-thirds (66%) of Arab youth being “very concerned” about climate change, the highest percentage in five years. 

This concern is reflected in the fact that nearly three-quarters (71%) of all respondents said global warming is already impacting their lives. This number is even higher in North Africa (76%) and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states (74%).

Arab youth are equally split on addressing global warming, with 49% saying that people should change how they live and 47% believing technological advancements are the solution. 

However, most youth in the Levant (51%) and in the GCC (51%) vote for technology to solve the climate change challenge.

Most GCC youth (80%) say their everyday behavior impacts climate change, compared to only 60% in the Levant and 58% in North Africa.

Overall, Arab youth are concerned about climate change and believe their governments and individuals should take action to address it. 

However, less than half (46%) of Arab youth believe their voice matters to their country’s leadership, a significant drop from 2022 (67%).