What Do They Feel, Do, and Expect? The Young Generation’s Perception of Environmental Problems and Sustainable Development Goals in the Context of Quality of Life

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has challenged the need to rethink, revision, and modify the sustainable development goals since changes have never been so unpredictable in terms of future events. While material welfare has long been identified and given attention, the pandemic has demonstrated the importance of health security and socio-psychological well-being. The aim of this article is to identify the young generation’s perception of environmental problems and sustainable development goals in the context of quality of life. In January 2022, we conducted an online survey (CAWI) among 120 young adults aged 21–28, who were asked, i.a., to assess current ecological threats, economic security, and social problems and to reevaluate the goals of sustainable development. One of the general conclusions is that global threats are more important for young people than local ones, and future threats are more important than the present ones. The results indicate a high awareness and sensitivity among the young generation to the important elements of the sustainable development goals, particularly regarding the elimination of hunger, the access to potable water, and providing education in the global dimension. The research results reflect the expectations of the young generation regarding the implementation of sustainable development goals, especially concerning environmental and social aspects.