Over 50s willing to be greener

05 Jun 08

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 Haq

Of 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.