This paper presents a qualitative study of the environmental concerns and attitudes of young people. The study arose when it was recognised that a quantitative study on youth environmental knowledge and attitude in which we were engaged could be enriched through qualitative research. A pilot qualitative study was conducted using focus group interviews with young people aged 15‐17 years in Brisbane, Australia. The findings of this study are reported. Of particular interest are the young peoples’ expressions of cynicism, frustration, powerlessness and hope that have not been identified in quantitative studies about youth environmental knowledge and attitudes.