Greys willing to be greener on World Environment Day
Posted on 5 June 2008
A new survey, conducted by the University of York’s Stockholm Environment Institute, reveals the over 50s believe they are already being affected by climate change, and are willing to take action to reduce their carbon footprint.
The results of the survey are being published on World Environment Day — 5 June, which this year calls for international effort to achieve low carbon lifestyles.
"The over 50s are more hopeful, enthused and positive about tackling climate change compared with two years ago" Dr Gary HaqOf the nearly 1,000 people surveyed 75% feel that their region is already being affected by climate change — an increase of 8% compared with a survey conducted in 2006. Eight out of ten people (83%) believe their grandchildren will face worse problems than we do, due to climate change.
Nearly 60% of over 50s surveyed were ‘hopeful’ when it comes to tackling climate change while 85% feel ‘motivated’ and 76% ‘positive’. Almost eight out of ten people (78%) feel it is partly up to them to take action to tackle climate change emissions. Women (83%) are more willing to take personal action to reduce their carbon footprint than men (75%). Those over 50s who believe climate change will happen sooner are more likely to take action to reduce their carbon footprint. However, those who perceived difficulty in taking action to reduce personal carbon emissions were less likely to take action.
The survey showed a change in attitudes to climate change in this age group compared with a similar survey in 2006. The over 50s are more ‘hopeful’, ‘enthused’ and ‘positive’ about climate change compared with two years ago. There is still a substantial (73%) sense of frustration over action being taken to tackle climate change, though this is lower than in 2006 (81%). A total of 95% believe the UK government is responsible for taking action, while 91% believe industry and business should act, and 84% believe it is the responsibility of their local authority.
Dr Gary Haq, Climate Talk Co-ordinator said "People feel that they are now seeing the effects of climate change on their doorstep. The over 50s are more hopeful, enthused and positive about tackling climate change compared with two years ago. This is due to the increased awareness of what individuals can do to make a difference.
"However, the consistent high level of frustration shows that government, local authorities and business need to make more effort to make a low carbon lifestyle an easier and cheaper option for all, especially at this time of rising fuel and food costs."
ENDS
Notes to editors:
- World Environment Day, commemorated each year on 5 June, is one of the principal vehicles through which the United Nations stimulates worldwide awareness of the environment and enhances political attention and action.
- The World Environment Day slogan for 2008 is Kick the Habit! Towards a Low Carbon Economy. Recognising that climate change is becoming the defining issue of our era, UNEP is asking countries, companies and communities to focus on greenhouse gas emissions and how to reduce them. World Environment Day will highlight resources and initiatives that promote low carbon economies and lifestyles, such as improved energy efficiency, alternative energy sources, forest conservation and eco-friendly consumption (see: www.unep.org/wed/2008/english/About_WED_2008/index.asp)
- The questionnaire survey was conducted from January-March 2008 in North Yorkshire. A total of 956 people aged over 50 completed the survey. In addition, focus group discussions were conducted with 50 people.
- The survey was undertaken as part of the Climate Talk funded by DEFRA’s Climate Change Challenge Fund and is a follow-up to a similar survey conducted in 2006.
- Climate Talk aims to raise awareness and understanding of climate change issues in the over 50s.
- The Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI) is an international, independent environment and development research institute. It is a part of an international network or centres with the York centre based at the University of York.
- For further information see www.climatetalk.org.uk