Climate Change is 'the biggest threat to our way of life' say nearly half of respondents
22nd February 2007
49% of people in Southampton Test agree that climate change represents ‘the biggest threat to our way of life,’ according to a new survey published today by Alan Whitehead.
Dr Whitehead’s survey asked constituents whether they believed climate change poses a ‘significant threat to our future.’ 49% said it was the biggest threat to our way of life, with another 49% saying climate change was important, but there were other issues that we also need to think about.
Only 1% of respondents agreed with the statement ‘climate change is an imaginary threat which will turn out to be proved wrong, so we don’t need to do anything.’
Dr Whitehead conducted a residents’ survey on green issues in late 2006. In addition to asking constituents their opinion on climate change as a political issue, he also surveyed how many people were taking simple measures to make their homes more fuel efficient and whether people would be willing to make bigger changes to further reduce their bills.
The most popular measure taken up by constituents was installing energy saving light bulbs in their homes. Energy saving light bulbs cost approximately £3.50, but save on average £9 from an annual electricity bill.
The results also highlighted the success of the government-funded grants for cavity wall insulation, with a 47% take up rate amongst respondents.
Between one and two thirds of respondents also said they would consider making major changes to further reduce their energy bills. The major change most people would consider was buying home appliances without standby buttons.
Dr Whitehead said:
“These results show there is a growing recognition of just how important it is for all of us to tackle climate change. After the provisions in my Private Members Bill successfully received Royal Assent and became law, it means that later this year planning restrictions on mini wind turbines will be eased, which will make it easier for people who want to, to make personal changes to reduce their energy use. And as chair of the Parliamentary Renewable and Sustainable Energy Group I will continue to lobby the government to develop more renewable energy schemes.”
More information
- Go to www.alan-whitehead.org.uk/energy for a full breakdown of all Alan Whitehead’s work on climate change, sustainable energy projects, and fuel poverty
- Full results of Alan Whitehead’s survey on green issues are:
1. Do you think climate change poses a significant threat to our future? |
% |
|
Yes- it's the biggest threat to our way of life |
49.01% |
|
Maybe- it's something we need to think about but it isn't the only important issue |
49.67% |
|
No- it's an imaginary threat that will turn out to be proved wrong, so we don't need to do anything |
1.32% |
|
|
|
|
2. Who do you think is responsible for tackling climate change? |
% |
|
Local government |
7.95% |
|
Individuals |
9.93% |
|
Business |
11.26% |
|
National government |
21.19% |
|
All those listed |
79.47% |
|
|
|
|
3. Have you taken any of the following measures to make your home more energy efficient? |
Yes % |
No % |
Energy saving lightbulbs |
67.55% |
32.45% |
Comprehensive draft exclusion |
47.68% |
52.32% |
Cavity wall insulation |
47.02% |
52.98% |
|
|
|
4. Would you consider major changes in any of the following ways to tackle climate change? |
Yes % |
No % |
Buying home appliances without standby buttons |
62.25% |
37.75% |
Limiting the use of your car to a minimum |
47.02% |
52.98% |
Limiting the number of times you fly to about twice a year |
40.40% |
59.60% |
Installing a micro-generation device, like a mini-wind turbine, in your house |
30.46% |
69.54% |