GLOBAL POLL REVEALS IB STUDENT PERCEPTIONS ON AI AND CLIMATE CHANGE

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March 8, 2025

For information on admission to Notre Dame Prep, please click here.

The latest findings from a survey carried out for the International Baccalaureate (IB) by Public First revealed that young people in IB World Schools are positive about their own future but pessimistic about the future of the planet.

The poll, conducted between Nov. 17 and Dec. 18, 2023, was developed and analyzed by Public First, a public policy research agency based in London, England. It was first published in September 2024 and recently updated on March 6, 2025. 

Distributed by teachers, the poll collected more than 10,000 responses from students aged 13-18 across the globe who attend a school that offers IB. One third were state-funded schools (37%) and nearly half were tuition-based (46%).

Among the findings, 72% of young people in IB World Schools are positive about their own future, and the future of their community, but 51% are pessimistic, fearing humans will not be able to avert the worst effects of climate change.

Young women were more concerned about climate change than young men by 7%, but across the board young people are pessimistic about human willingness to curb the impact of climate. Pessimism for the future of climate change was generally higher in more affluent countries. Across the globe, 70% of young people are confident that their voices are not sufficiently heard in the climate change debate.

When it comes to artificial intelligence, 82% of young people know what AI is and think that they could explain it, while 77% of young people have used an AI chatbot. Those who have used AI chatbots before are the most likely to feel positive. Young people were confident that the use of AI in their education is both inevitable — and a good thing.

“This research highlights the pivotal moment we find ourselves today," said IB Director General Olli-Pekka Heinonen. "Students are eager to embrace AI as a powerful ally in education and innovation, demonstrating hope and optimism for their own futures. Simultaneously, their deep concerns about climate change reflect a clear and resounding demand for action. 

"Young people are keenly aware of the complexities, yet also eager to meet the challenge and contribute toward solutions," he added. "It's our duty to amplify their voices and support them as they navigate these obstacles, empowering them to help shape a sustainable, inclusive future for all.”

Read the full report here. 

More on the IB at NDP

Notre Dame Prep's upper school has served as an IB ‘World School” since 2007 when it was first authorized by the IB organization to offer the Diploma Program. Its middle and lower schools became IB-authorized in the years that followed. In addition, NDP is the only Catholic school in the United States with all three IB curriculum levels, the Primary Years Program, the Middle Years Program and the Diploma Program. 

Colleges and universities recognize the IB program, its significance, and what it takes to participate in it. The IB designation on a student’s high school transcript is a noteworthy achievement, and it stands out and signals to admission officers that you are a dedicated and advanced learner. Many colleges and universities in the U.S. offer benefits to IB diploma graduates, such as college credit, scholarships and/or tuition assistance. Some universities allow IB graduates to enter as second-year students. 

More on the IB and college prep 

The acceptance rate of IB students into Ivy League universities is up to 18% higher than the total population acceptance rate. The gap is even more significant for top-ranked universities outside of the Ivy League, where it is 22% higher, on average. Research also shows that U.S. Diploma Program students are outperforming students nationally in university enrollment, persistence and graduation.

For information on admission to Notre Dame Prep, please click here.

Comments or questions? mkelly@ndpma.org

About Notre Dame Preparatory School
"At Notre Dame Prep, we inspire our students to become the best versions of themselves. We challenge them through an experience of academic excellence, focused on active, project-based learning. We invite them to explore a world of opportunities beyond the classroom. We guide them as they grow in spirituality within a community strong in its Catholic and Marist identity."

Notre Dame Preparatory School is a private, Catholic, independent, coeducational day school located in Oakland County. Notre Dame Preparatory School's upper school enrolls students in grades nine through twelve and has been named one of the nation's best 50 Catholic high schools (Acton Institute) four times since 2005. Notre Dame Prep's middle and lower schools enroll students in pre-kindergarten through grade eight. All three schools are International Baccalaureate "World Schools." NDP is conducted by the Marist Fathers and Brothers and is accredited by the Independent Schools Association of the Central States and the National Association of Independent Schools. For more on Notre Dame Preparatory School, visit the school’s home page at www.ndpma.org.