The energetic transition scenarios. The european adolescents perspective and related implications

The aim of the paper is to outline (desired and expected) future life scenarios and the relevance of educational activities, with regard to environmental aspects, that European young people foresee in their own transition to the future. The economic and social trends of the late 60's need to be rethought, considering the limits that the environmental crisis highlights as a global problem. Therefore through the Seventh European Programme (Pact – Pathways for Carbon Transition) the European Commission is suggesting to work towards a “post-carbon society”: this means a historical change from a society that is (and usually takes for granted to be) completely based on fossil energy, to one that takes into account the uncertainty concerning resources and tries to find alternatives. The paper presents the results of a survey collecting data (through an on-line questionnaire) from 42 schools, involving 187 classes from a variety of EU countries: Austria, Belgium, Luxemburg, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Romania, Slovenia, Spain, United Kingdom. Beside the identification of future life scenarios, the paper discusses the influence of SC (Social Capital) and of HC (Human Capital) as well as of other specific socio-cultural variables in explaining different perceptions and attitudes toward the energetic transition within this European sample. The results highlight a diffuse lack of sensitivity and knowledge among young people regarding environmental issues: a lack of knowledge that causes imprudence, serenity and security or a strong fear splits our sample in two halves when it comes to the age groups (young vs. old). This scenario seems to be particularly favourable towards and receptive of educational projects aimed at developing their knowledge of the future and the tools that are necessary to cope with it, as promoted or implemented by key roles that win their trust (scientists, doctors and members of the European Commission) and in relation to one of the key youth indicators among the 40 that were recently formulated by the European Commission to monitor youth policies: “Young people's participation in political or community/environmentally-oriented NGOs”.