Positive trend among the younger generation

Despite the continued expansion of leisure activities, a comparison between 1984 and 1988 reveals a significantly more "gentle" approach to nature and the landscape. This positive trend is the result of a representative survey conducted by the BAT Leisure Research Institute, in which 2,000 people were asked about their environmental behavior during leisure time, first in 1984 and again in 1988.

Future predictions from the early 1980s, which suggested that leisure activities would become an increasing environmental risk, have not come true. Almost two-thirds of the population (60 %) no longer visit remote nature reserves and landscapes "in order to protect animals and plants." Four years earlier, only 43 percent had done so. In 1984, 58 percent of hikers stayed on public trails; this year, that figure has risen to 68 percent.

However, there are clear differences between the age groups. While those over 55 show no change in environmental awareness in a 4-year comparison, the younger generation of 14- to 24-year-olds proves to be trendsetters in their interaction with nature.

New environmental morality among young people

As recently as 1984, environmental awareness, especially among young people, was more often demonstrated than practiced. While there was widespread environmental awareness among young people, there were few active environmental pioneers. Now, a clear shift in behavior is emerging: The proportion of young people who avoid remote areas to protect animals and plants has doubled within the last four years, from 34 percent to 63 percent. Nearly two-thirds (63 percent) of young people have also given up cross-country hiking (compared to 38 percent in 1984). And one in five young people is now willing to forgo surfing, sailing, or rowing "in certain waters" (compared to 10 percent in 1984).

Young people react most intensely to the threat of environmental destruction because they also feel most affected by it. For them, environmental protection today also means protecting leisure activities tomorrow. Educational programs in schools and persuasive efforts within sports and nature conservation associations have likely contributed to this improved environmental awareness among young people. The understanding has taken hold that every individual is both a contributor and a victim, and that environmental problems are not solely the product of large-scale technology.

These changes in the behavior of young people over the past four years give hope for the future. If the younger generation has its way, there will be no "crime scene nature".

Editorial note

The representative surveys underlying this leisure newsletter were conducted in September 1984 and March 1988. Each survey included 2,000 people aged 14 and over throughout Germany.