Brits cast doubt on the impact of climate change

Research has today revealed a laid-back attitude towards the threat of climate change amongst some Brits, with many questioning the extent to which it will have an impact on them. In addition, one in three people (30 per cent) don’t believe that personal action will make a positive difference.

The study from AXA’s international retirement scope survey reveals that almost one in five (18 per cent) British workers do not think global warming will have an impact on them, compared to an international average of one in three (33 per cent).The British retired population are even less concerned, with just under one in ten (9 per cent) fearing the potential effect global warming may have on them. Despite this both workers (62 per cent) and retirees (48 per cent) acknowledge that it is the next generation that will suffer most from the effects of climate change.

The study also showed that fewer than one in three people still working (30 per cent) feel that taking personal action will make a positive difference. Of those that are in favour of taking action, seven in 10 (71 per cent) workers and six in 10 (63 per cent) retirees would pay more for ecological products and solutions. However, people think individuals (65 per cent) are least to blame for climate change with industry (83 per cent) and Government authorities (75 per cent) being the main culprits.

Truska Angel, Head of Climate Change at AXA commented: “Global warming is a problem that isn’t going to go away and it is worrying to see that some Brits do not think climate change will impact them. People need to begin to take responsibility to help the environment. Even if retirees do not think climate change will affect them in their life time doing a little bit now could make things better for the next generation.”

When compared to other countries, Brits, perhaps naively, do not see themselves as a big contributor to climate change. Therefore, they rank lower than average on considering themselves as contributors, but second in playing a part to solve the problem. Americans feel most guilty – 45 per cent of US respondents said their country was more to blame for climate change, but 37 per cent say they are instrumental in trying to fix it.

Truska continued: “Being green doesn’t have to mean taking such drastic action as installing a wind turbine in the garden; it can be as simple as recycling or buying eco-friendly products. It’s important to remember the principle of collective responsibility – everyone can do their bit.”