Children as young as ten are taking more interest in protecting the environment than adults, according to new research by Eurostar, the high-speed passenger rail service between the UK and mainland Europe.

Almost nine out of ten (86%) 10-12 year olds incorporate the protection of the environment into their daily lifestyle, from turning lights off to cycling to school, versus just 65% of 18-34 year olds.

The study of over 1000 young people also revealed a stark realisation amongst nearly two thirds (64%) of this generation that the lifestyle of their parents and grandparents has negatively impacted the environment they are growing up in. For a generation brought up during the boom in low-cost air travel, their interest in the environment could be attributed in part to high levels of education on climate change - 79% have been taught this topic at school.

Naomi Wilkinson, CBBC Presenter and President of the Young People’s Trust for the Environment, is on board to help recognise this new generation of young environmental champions. Eurostar is offering five children a unique opportunity to win the chance to present their views on sustainable travel and the environment to MEPs at the European Parliament in Brussels. To enter the competition, young people aged between 10 and 18 simply need to upload a short video clip sharing their views at www.eurostar.com/treadlightly from the 24th November 2011.

Naomi Wilkinson commented: “It’s fantastic that Eurostar is taking the time to recognise this new generation of environmental champions by inviting them to share their views with MEPs at the European Parliament. In my role as President of the Young People’s Trust for the Environment, I’ve had the pleasure of meeting a number of inspirational young people over the years, with an impressive knowledge of the environment - I am sure we will see some interesting and lively opinions being put forward.”

Today marks the start of a new partnership between Eurostar and The Young People’s Trust for the Environment - a national charity encouraging young people’s understanding of the environment and the need for sustainability. The three-year partnership to support free accessible education on the environment to a further 15,000 children forms part of Eurostar’s Tread Lightly programme of initiatives, designed to reduce the business’ impact on the environment and encourage consumers to think differently about the way they travel.

The research also showed that young people have a strong sense of responsibility to protect the planet which extends beyond their daily lifestyle to their family’s holiday travel choices:

More than three quarters (81%) of 10-18 year olds understand that their choice of transport for travel abroad (with or without their family) can negatively impact climate change.
Half of this age group (50%) correctly identified the train as the most environmentally friendly way to travel between the UK and mainland Europe.

With over a third (41%) of this jetset generation already taking two or more trips abroad per year, their preference for green living can only be good news for the UK’s carbon emissions reduction targets.

Peter Bragg, Head of Environment and Energy for Eurostar commented: “With more people travelling abroad from a younger age, it is crucial that we continue to raise awareness of the sustainable travel options available. The results of this new study are very positive, demonstrating how today’s young people are leading the way in driving the green agenda. We’re delighted to work with the Young People’s Trust for the Environment to celebrate these young environmental champions and to continue to inspire the next generation of decision makers to act responsibility when it comes to the environment.”

Peter Littlewood, Director of the Young People’s Trust for the Environment said: “There has probably never been a more urgent need for young people to learn about environmental issues and it’s heartening to see that they do seem to be taking that message on board. Future generations have to become more environmentally responsible and and it’s fantastic to have Eurostar supporting our work.”

City.Mobi

Also in Germany today, City.Mobi is celebrating the success of its new guide to Berlin.

City.Mobi offers the most comprehensive mobile travel guides available, with over 800 cities in 200 countries listed. Each is developed by the City.Mobi team to combine into a single global travel directory.

However, each city retains its own mobile identity via a dedicated domain. Already on offer are Brussels.Mobi, Paris.Mobi, Sanfrancisco.Mobi and Sydney.Mobi.

Berlin.mobi is the latest in this illustrious line up, offering click to call functionality – which means no scribbling down telephone numbers.

Most entries are also linked to websites where users can quickly access more detailed information if needed.

Other key features include information on accommodation, restaurants, attractions, entertainment, nightlife, shopping, and transport.

City.Mobi guides include user reviews and traveller utilities such as a translation guide, currency converter, news and local weather guide.